Farmers Market

[Moby Hick]

Originally Posted by sskink

I'm restraining myself so as not to violate C-D terms and conditions.

If he named any farmer or market in a comment like that, I think he'd be in violation. It's an accusation of fraud and presents defamation issues.

[ditchdigger]

I think the truth lies somewhere in between, as it does in most things. It's been a while since I've been to a farmers market, but in addition to stuff that seems to have been home grown hereabouts, I know I've seen produce that isn't grown locally at all, or isn't in season around here.

Originally Posted by sskink

Granted, you can only use the tokens for non-prepared foods, namely meats and vegetables. You can't get a cup of coffee or a cookie, but you could buy a bag of coffee beans or organic flour.

When is coffee season in western PA anyway?

[sskink]

Originally Posted by ditchdigger

I think the truth lies somewhere in between, as it does in most things. It's been a while since I've been to a farmers market, but in addition to stuff that seems to have been home grown hereabouts, I know I've seen produce that isn't grown locally at all, or isn't in season around here.

When is coffee season in western PA anyway?

I can't speak for all farmer's markets, but I know that in the case of F@F, there were significant requirements to join, and local/regional and organic were two of those.

While it's true you can't really grow coffee in Western PA (although I know of several live shrubs being raised), what was sold was organic/passive organic, direct trade and locally-roasted.

But if you're around in another 1,000 years or so, we should be able to grow some varieties in the Laurel Highlands :-)

[guy2073]

i think if you grew the coffee plants correctly you could have local coffee, but it would be a couple hundred dollars a pound.

[bluecarebear]

Originally Posted by sskink

I can't speak for all farmer's markets, but I know that in the case of F@F, there were significant requirements to join, and local/regional and organic were two of those.

Trust me, there aren't a lot of background checks done on vendors. I'm not saying they all are like that. Most markets only require an application and weekly/seasonal fee. Like I said, they are basically high end flea markets. The same drama.

[erieguy]

So you travel to Amish country for fresh produce? Where are the roadside stands?

[shadowfax]

Originally Posted by erieguy

So you travel to Amish country for fresh produce? Where are the roadside stands?

There is one on rt 286 in Saltsburg. I stop there on my way to some of my hoof trimming clients. It is a family owned and run farm that sells all of their own produce and some amazing home made pies. One of my clients is a friend of that family and told me about them.