The Modern Farmer recently posted an article of Do's and Don'ts for Farmer's Markets. I agree that the Farmer's Markets presents an interesting situation on etiquette. It's not like shopping in Walmart and it's not like shopping in a pricey boutique. After attending farmer's markets for years as both producer and consumer, I have my own set of Do's and Don'ts. It differs from the article. I think it gives a little more respect to the producer when you are walking around the smaller markets. The East Troy (village of 3,000) farmer's market is vastly different from Madison Capital Square market on Saturday. Smaller markets demand more communication between consumer and producer. Plus, I think those at the larger markets would appreciate it, too!
Do: Take samples or ask for a sample. I don't think you should just grab something and then after it's in your mouth claim it as a sample. Producers love to show off their hard work and convince your taste buds you can't live without that yummy cucumber. However, producers have a right to delegate how much of a sample you get. It is free to you as a consumer, but not to the producer.
Do: Ask tons of questions! Consumers have a right to know where their food is coming from. Every farmer at the market is not organic. Every farmer is not working on soil health. Not every farmer picked the produce recently. Knowledge is power!
Do: Bring your own reusable bag. The farmer's market is the PERFECT place to show off your stylish eco-bag. Producers usually have some plastic bags, but it's so much nicer when we all consider sustainability. :)
Do: Ask for quantity deals. Most producers have extras at home or are willing to work with you if you are canning or making your own hard cider. Some items are only sold off the farm for legal reasons. You might not notice a sign advertising a producers' special deals, so ask!
Don't: Skip people in line. Yeah, this is a crappy thing to do. Producers work hard on giving as much speedy attention to everyone as they can. Patience will reward you and keep others happy, too.
Don't: Return food. I'm sorry but I completely disagree with the article above. Returning food is gross. It's touched a bunch of other peoples' hands, been rolling around in bags, and been standing out in the heat and often sun for longer than it should be. If food is accepted as a return, it can't be sold to someone else for food safety reasons. Maybe if it's a canned good or something in sealed container, but for our fresh veggies and fruit, no thanks. That being said, if you have a serious problem go back and talk to the producer. Most people are willing to accommodate you in some fashion. (On a side note, we sometimes get people asking for returns when they don't understand what fresh food means. One woman asked for a return on our farm fresh eggs because the yolks were too yellow. She didn't understand that a healthy egg should have a bright and deep yellow color to it. We gave her back her money but also explained why they were great. Sadly she had already thrown all the eggs out!)
Don't: Come to the farmer's market right at close. The fresh items will always be at their best early in the morning or opening of the market. You are cheating yourself by waiting till the end. Producer's don't mind selling to you as they pack up (well, most don't), but remember that these veggies have been out in the heat and sun all day and need to be put in a cooler right away.
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