blogger profile

Faun

Okay I confess! I *hate* this part. Whether it's for MySpace or Tribe or worse- a job interview, the open-ended request to talk about myself is painful - like a needle to the eye. Or like a 103 foot drop on a roller coaster. My advice: Read my blogs! You'll get to know me that way...eventually.... ...

READ MORE

False Farmers?

Buyers Beware at Farmer's Curb Market on Yancyville

The Farmer’s Curb Market (FCM) on Yancyville is my favorite place to be on Saturday mornings. I love the freshness of the food, the tips I get from experienced farmers and the buzz of eager people looking to feed their families healthily. And I derive great satisfaction from supporting locally grown food and the farmers who work harder than any of us can even imagine.

Though I’m not one to perpetuate rumors, I’m about to share one that really bothered me.  Because it came from what I would call a “credible source” I’m asking the Greensboro community to help me discover the truth or dispel my words as hearsay.

The story starts with the discovery of a vendor at FCM who was selling vegetables and produce purchased in Virginia.

Now as I understand it, the criteria for selling at FCM is that the goods have to be grown, churned, spun or crafted from your own hands.

The regular or “real” farmers as I like to call them were upset. They brought the vendor’s questionable practices to the attention of the FCM president who did further research. When the president found evidence that supported the farmers’ claim, she asked the vendor to leave.

That should have been the end of the story.

But in a strange twist the FCM board fired the president.

Remember, I’m still relaying what I’ve been told. I haven’t launched an investigation of my own and I can’t prove any of this.

What I do know is that consumers don’t want to be lied to. So next time you’re at FCM – or any farmer’s market for that matter – be sure you know who you’re buying your tomatoes from.

And while there’s no law against the resale of a farmer’s goods (I mean what would we do without the Harris Teeters of the world?) it’s quite another thing to pose as one. To take advantage of the trust that has been built between farmer and customer at FCM really makes my nostrils flare and my skin turn the same color as my hair. (I’m a red-head.)

Let’s be sure to support our local farmers and stand up for them (and those who have fought for them). In the midst of constant food recalls and the need to reduce gas consumption it’s more important than ever. 

If you have more information about false farmers – or if you’d like to share something about the real ones who have made a difference in your kitchen or your life – we’re all ears here!