Farmers Market Food Less Expensive
By: Amy Jeanroy
Published: May 13, 2011

Despite complaints about how expensive farmers markets are, and how the working person is discriminated against because they are at work while the markets are open, the people who actually GO to the farmers markets have been trying to get the word out about how inexpensive food actually is there. Finally, a study done by The Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont, shows that the opposite is true. The study found that organic items were almost 40% cheaper! For conventionally raised items, the results were mixed. It is important to remember that a small farm and an industrial farm use much different *conventional* methods. With the savings on organic items being so high, even with less of a savings on a few non organic things, the farmers market would still save you money.
Dare I say, this is because the cost of organic gardening is less expensive than the stores want us to believe? Instead of using the term organic as a selling point, it is just considered how to farm for most vendors at the market. At a big box store, they throw around the now meaningless words like organic, natural and free range, then tack on extra cost. The truth is, they are able to use these words as selling tools, and not farming decisions.
Ask your vendor how he or she raises her vegetables. Ask what (if any) chemicals they use. Many times, although there is not *Organic* sign plastered on the selection, you will find that the farming practices are as close to or are completely organic in the true sense of the term.

Comments:
Barnaby
May 14, 2011

I find it's really a mix at my local markets with prices varying a lot by week and vendor.
One tip save money is to walk all the way around the market before making your first purchase (unless you know a specific vendor) and note the prices of things. Many a times I've bought something at one stand only to find a much better deal a few stall down the row later.
The other tip is that food at markets is priced much more according to the season. When the first Zucchini arrive they can be up to $5/pound.. at their peak some stands literally give them away for free if you buy something else! 
So buy what's in season..it's at the best price and quality.