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Please realize that there are farmers' markets all over the State of Oregon and no one should assume that all comments made here are in reference to Portland area markets. We all love and listen to OPB!

The idea that we are buying from local (within the state) farms or processors whether large or small is the issue. Someone transporting in product from out of state and/or out of the country is defeating the purpose of supporting local. If I purchase honey, radishes, vinegar, or eggs I have the expectation that these items were raised, grown or produced in my community/state. If they weren't then they should be labeled properly so that the consumer has the choice.

Oregon Farmers' Markets do not have any regulatory agency so yes, unethical people can and do sell things they don't grow or process. Of course you willl always have people flying under the radar but it should be important to the farmers and processors to enforce the rules.

Regulation does not mean perfection but it does determine a degree of accountability which Oregon doesn't have.

posted 2 years, 11 months ago
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Lost my last comments---

OPB, please do an investigative report on this subject, I have long wanted to let the public know what really happens at Farmers' Markets in Oregon. The public is being taken for a ride for the most part as there are no Market regulations from the State. Farmers can and do sell what they want from where ever they purchased the produce and feel no obligation to tell the public. The public is being scammed.

There are a few farmers that are ethical and sell only what they grow but for the most part they are only looking out for themselves.

• There are honey farmers that purchase honey from out of the country and sell as if it came from their own hives.
• Oregon farmers who have farms in Mexico and sell at the market as if it were Oregon grown.
• "Organic" farmers who are not organic. 
• Nursery sellers that purchase their plants from wholesalers then resell at the market for triple the price pretending that they grew the plants from start.
• People who sell eggs but do not have enough chickens to produce all the eggs that they sell.
• Peach farmers who buy from a farm up in Washington because they had a small crop that year. 

The list goes on and on....

Eat local, buy local, be sustainable? The public loves the idea of supporting local business, and the farmers love that they do. Do farmers share the same belief? No. Carbon Footprint? No. The farmers do not want anything to do with restricting their ability to sell their produce no matter how far they have to drive. 

The ODA regulates the process of products but only regulates what the farmers do at the market on a limited basis. California regulates the markets and it is important that Oregon do the same to ensure the public safety and truth in selling of locally grown produce. 

These are critical comments but it comes from someone who was very entrenched in the market and tried to make a difference for the market, public safety and for ethical business practices. I was  unable to accomplish much, but if the public becomes more aware perhaps some regulation will take place and farmers will be made to be more truthful with their practices.

Buyer beware, watch your wallet and start asking your farmer the questions you want answers to. If the answers don't ring true move on to the next farmer.

posted 2 years, 11 months ago
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