Were the Flats Farmers Markets too Upmarket?

As my kids would say Holy Dooly Bugs!

That’s exactly what I thought as I approached The Flats Farmers Markets.  The traffic was crazy busy and there were people everywhere!  I felt so proud and thankful entering the event on so many levels.  I was thankful for all the Farmers and stall holders who took time out to showcase their produce and attend such an event and I felt so proud of our Bundaberg Community for showing their love and support to our Farmers by attending.  I hope our Farmers realise just how much we as a community want to support them.

If you happen to catch the Channel 7 local news tomorrow night you’ll get to see just how excited I was……….they did a short interview with me and I made a bit of a dill of myself with my over excitement, but hey it was worth it!

I was so lucky to have my bestie Leah with me at the markets who is a seasoned farmers market shopper and a Health Coach.  She gave me input into what her experience of a farmers market is like. She shops predominantly from farmers markets and her expectations were somewhat different to what was on offer……….but more about that later.

There are a few things I’d like to see at the next market, and I’m sure there will be plenty more after yesterday’s success…….

• I’d love to see each farmer have a board at the front of their stall with details about who they are, where their farm is, what they grow, details of where they sell locally, if their produce is spray free or certified organic.  There were so many people yesterday it was impossible to ask these types of questions and I think a board like this to the side or front of each stall would be a great addition.
• Have the stalls spaced a little wider apart to allow for the crowding around stalls.  I almost missed a few stalls in the crowds.
• I’d love for the facebook page for the Winterfeast Weekend to have a list of all stall holders who attended with their contact details, and the information I suggested be written on their boards.  An event website containing all this information would be even better.
• I’d like the farmers to know that they don’t have to go putting their produce in all their fancy packaging……….but I do understand that some processing and packaging is necessary to get the produce to the market…………then again maybe I’m in the minority and perhaps our community wants the fancy packaging?!
• I want the farmers to know that they can bring their seconds as well.  I know it has been a bug bear for Bundy residents for years that all the ‘good stuff’ gets shipped interstate and we are left with the seconds.  Some people actually prefer seconds, I know I certainly do if there is no compromise on flavour but it’s more to do with oddly shaped produce.

My bestie the seasoned farmers market shopper commented to me that it was all very commercial and upmarket………that the produce on display was as it would be in a gourmet shop, not at all what she is used to seeing at her farmers market!

Where she goes the Farmers rock up with their bins or boxes straight from the paddock before the produce hits the packing sheds.  Her understanding of the purpose of a farmers markets is to cut out most of the packaging and processing involved in sending produce out of town or to shops and to sell directly to the public.

Her comments were very interesting and valid to me……………I found myself eavesdropping on a conversation between two ladies who were complaining about the prices at the markets…………..saying they were too high and no cheaper than the shops!

I guess time will tell how these markets will evolve and whether they will become more upmarket and gourmet or the more traditional farmers market style.  I know from my point of view I’m happy to pay the Farmer shop prices, at least then I know I’m supporting our local Farmers in the best way I can.

What do you think?  Did you think the Flats Farmers Markets were too upmarket?  Would you go back again?  I know I certainly will.