Blog 17

What was something that surprised you regarding the D.C. farmer's market survey "game and results?" What could our downtown farmers market possibly learn from the results/reflections of this DOT survey? What are some benefits of having farmers' markets extend their times into being a year-round market? What are some challenges? What other items are popular at "farmers" markets? Should there be any stipulation/requirement as to what can be sold at local farmer's markets? only grown items? only local? only 'slow food'? crafts?

I thought it was surprising when reading the DC farmer's market survey that most of the customers reported they purchased goods from three vendors or less. Another surprising aspect of the reading was how many customers said they shopped at farmers markets for their convenience as well as how many of the customers surveyed were USDA employees. In my opinion there are a certainly a few things our downtown farmers market could potentially learn from the DOT Survey such as the need to offer more variety in their produce. Currently, there are only a few vendors who sell fresh produce. Also, that moving our farmers markets to more densely populated areas with more foot traffic would ensure a greater amount of customers. Benefits of having a year-round farmers market would be the creation of a loyal customer base and supporting the local economy. Some of the challenges farmers may face with a year-round market could be limited crop selection. Other popular items that are typically sold at farmers markets include jewelry, soaps, and various handmade goods (pottery, wood-works, etc). I think its a good thing that these specialty types of items are offered because they may draw crowds who come for the specialty goods but end up also buying some produce which ultimately helps the farmers as well. However, after a farmers market becomes more established, I feel that some of these specialty vendors should be replaced with those who offer more fresh and local meat and produce.