Courtesy of Roxanne C., Philadelphia PA
One the most frequently debated topics in the SPIN online support group is our usually fraught
relationships with our farmers markets. They’re the highlight of our weeks, and the most fulfilling
part of what we do, where we feel the appreciation and trust of our customers, and get the
satisfaction of knowing our products are helping them maintain their health and well-being.
What goes on behind the scenes is also our biggest source of frustration and disillusionment. As
one farmer says, “Farmers’ markets are notoriously difficult to run. I’ve been in this business a
while, at different farmers’ markets, and there’s been trouble at every single one.” Too few
vendors. Not enough of the right ones. Too little traffic. Too much of the wrong kind. True farmers
versus resellers. Board intimidation. Financial mismanagement. Too restrictive by-laws. Petty
politics. Legal threats.
It’s a rude awakening for some, having to deal with all the things they thought they went into
farming to avoid. But to generate income from farming, you need to realize that, being in business
for yourself doesn’t mean you can be in business alone.
As the local food movement gathered momentum over the last two decades, farming has attracted those
seeking a deeper sense of community, and they’ll find it. But it’s not a refuge. They’ll also find
conflict. It just comes with the territory.
LEARN THE BUSINESS OF GROWING FOOD FROM THE BEST MINDS IN BACKYARD FARMING TODAY BY JOINING BACKYARD RICHES HERE.
