“There’s no better place to buy fruits and vegetables than at a farmers’ market. Period.” That confident claim was made by New York Times food columnist Mark Bittman. Still, he sees some improvements to be made, and he argues for them in this August 2014 op-ed article in that newspaper.
Read it here: Bittman, "Farmers’ Market Values”
- Bittman clearly encourages people to shop at farmers’ markets, but that isn’t his main argument in this essay. What is he arguing? Has he made his case clearly and convincingly? Why or why not?
- According to Bittman, why is buying produce at farmers’ markets worthwhile even though the prices are generally higher than in supermarkets? Which of his reasons do you find most persuasive? Why?
- Bittman claims that “we’ve all seen farmers’ market produce last two or three times longer than supermarket produce.” Who is Bittman’s “we”? Does it include you? Why might he have presented that assertion as something that “we” would all know? Is the phrasing effective? Why or why not?
- Visit a farmers’ market in your area and take a careful look at how it might improve as a whole. More space? More parking? Better arrangement of booths and aisles? More convenient payment systems? Once you identify a few problem areas, think about how improvements might be made and who should be in charge of making them happen. Then, write a letter to the responsible person(s) describing the improvements you’d like to see (and why), and suggesting a way to bring the improvements about. (If there is no farmers’ market in your area, write a letter proposing that one be established.)
They Say I Blog 
There’s much to be said for freshness at the farmers’ markets, but, if properly treated, still more to be said for the convenience at the supermarkets.
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Bittman is arguing for municipal support and an opportunity at creating an infrastructure for our farmers’ markets, mostly in the way of permanent space, water, electricity, reduction/removal of fees, etc… I believe Bittman has made a clear and convincing case. As a farmers’ market supporter/consumer the issues he addresses in his article are real, as well the solutions reasonable.
Although the prices may be higher at times or for some things, buying from farmers’ markets are worthwhile because they are dealing in fresh local products and you would be supporting your neighbors. The produce is much tastier, last much longer because its from local farm to local market and you have the chance of coming across rare delicious items, such as the purslane salad green Bittman mentions, that which you may never come into contact with in commercial supermarkets. I honestly find flavor and the opportunity at tasting rare and exotic things the most satisfying aspect of shopping at farmers’ markets, but the most persuasive is supporting your locale businesses and neighbors (we are small business owners too).
Bittman’s “we” are our fellow farmers’ market supporters, consumers, vendors, and providers. Yes, this “we” does indeed include me and my family. Although for me, I understood Bittman when he said “we” he could have possibly worded “we” along the lines of “farmers’ market consumers” or just “consumers” to be more accepting of the readers who have not yet experienced any farmers’ markets.
Our local farmers’ market could definitely use its own enclosed permanent space with electricity and running water. I say this mainly because we live in Florida where its hot/humid most of the time but it could also (and often does) suddenly begin to rain/storm. As well as an increase in space for parking and safety from the main highway.
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Bittman shows how buying from farmers’ markets helps out the local farmer. The goods purchased from these farmers are generally far more tasty than the average wholesale brand goods. Though the prices are higher, quality and taste in the long run make up for it. Bittmans most compelling argument is how buying from farmers will basically help them out in a far more personal way. Due to the fact that these farmers aren’t wholesale, they have to be far more involved with their food.
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Bittman’s “we” includes himself and all of the people who read the article and who have shared a similar experience from shopping at a farmer’s market, including me. He uses “we” so that people reading the article don’t look at the experience as singular to Bittman, but rather think about the experiences with farmer’s market produce that they’ve had themselves. This phrasing is more effective because it helps the reader identify with the situation in the article, and they are more likely to agree with Bitmann’s arguments. It will only stop being effective if the reader has never shopped at a farmer’s market or has had a bad experience.
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2 Flavor is a large motivator for me, though I presently couldn’t afford the increase in price. As a girl I grew up on wild picked berries, mushrooms, some herbs. nature grown ingredients are packed with flavor. The bitterness of gooseberry, the earthy bite of a fresh puffball mushroom, things you can’t buy from a store. When he brought up the fact that farmer market fruits are more flavorful I just remembered wild picked onion and tried not to drool on my keyboard. Smaller, maybe, but still better than anything I’ve bought from a store.
3 This one was less persuasive. I like the idea, and I can understand the context behind it- produce traveling across the country to be put in a grocery store giving it less shelf life. On the other hand, I’ve taken two environmental science classes- wherein I learned that these produce are treated to preserve them longer than organic fruits or vegetables for that exact reason. Certainly I’ve tried to preserve fresh berries, but berries in general rot quickly.
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3 I don’t include myself in the “we” of this article. It should have been targeted to the specific group of shoppers. I shop at a large chain market place for my “not so fresh” produce. Though Bittman got me thinking. This once upon a time business was how we got produce, if we did not grow it ourselves. With big super markets coming in our towns, it has destroyed family and cultural history. Yes times they are a changing is a fact, as Bob Dylan has stated, but should everything change? should we just give in to what “the man” says? Him using “we” made me realize how important it is to support local businesses, how fresh food is better.
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Bittman highlights the quality of the produce to make it worth the price. While he does mention other factors such as supporting the farmers who work tirelessly, the most convincing fact is that the food is actually “real.” It is grown in an environment where the growers care about quality rather than quantity. You can be sure that it is not modified in anyway and that it is fresh. If there was any doubt, then you could ask the farmer right away because they were the ones selling their produce.
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Bittman’s main point is that farmer’s markets need more attention and support from the government so that they can become even better for producers and consumers alike. The argument was convincing because of the fact that he reeled the reader in by starting off with why farmers markets are so necessary, and even better than regular grocery stores. As soon as he got the reader to care about the subject, he was able to hit hard with the facts about how farmers markets are great and all, but they could be doing so much better if the government stepped in with some water, electricity, and other improvements.
The article gives farmers’ markets a good name by promoting their high quality, camaraderie, and educational value. Bittman’s higher quality argument was especially persuasive because it was both amusing and concise, as he utilized sarcasm, logic, and facts. At the end he even states “To some extent, you get what you pay for.” He reasons with the reader quite well. He then gave a plethora of examples of when he found good quality produce at a farmer’s market for a fraction of the price. The other points in his article were powerful too, but this was the most convincing.
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2) Bittmans most persuasive argument advocating for people to shop at “Producer-Only” Farmer Markets as opposed to consumer supermarkets lies within the connection that one has with the seller at the Farmer’s market. I really like the saying “Know your Farmer, know your food,” because it makes me realize the fact that I can actually ask the farmer questions about the products that you simply cannot at the supermarket. Vendors at Safeway do not actually grow their own products whereas the farmers do.
3) Though I have definitely tried farmer markets products but I cannot totally agree with Bittmans statement saying that we’ve all seen them last two to three weeks longer than supermarket foods. To be honest I feel like people go to supermarkets more any way because its convenient. If he changed his phrasing to a more suggestive tone as in suggesting we see for ourselves to notice the difference maybe that idea would be conveyed more effectively in my opinion
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Bittman is arguing for government assistance in improving the infrastructure of farmers’ markets. While the support for farmers’ markets is growing, farmers’ markets still need support in improving systems of pavement, space to operate, and water and electricity. Bittmans argument is convincing because he addresses the most concerning problems with solutions that are not ambiguous and can be accomplished in a timely manner.
Bitmann uses “we” to group together farmers’ market consumers and supporters. While I do not regularly visit farmers’ markets, I am aware of the situation he is discussing and consider myself a part of that “we.” While the phrasing was effective to me as a reader, it may have not been to a reader who has limited knowledge regarding farmers’ markets.
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The reasons Bittman espoused farmers’ markets were greater food quality, the support to small businesses, and the personal experience unique to buying from a local source and being able to speak with the producer of your food. The personal aspect is the greatest one in my mind because so many people are disconnected from the process of growing, preparing, and eating food in contemporary America. There are tons of people who rarely or never cook, let alone take the time to learn what goes into growing a carrot, the nutritional differences between greens, or what something fresh and local tastes like. Food is incredibly basic in terms of necessity and to be separated from that process is a really dangerous thing in my opinion; it’s almost like willfully ignoring the outdoors.
The ‘we’ refers to those who shop at farmer’s markets rather than supermarkets. It doesn’t apply to me since I haven’t been to a farmer’s market in probably a decade, but I would guess Bittman was wagering his audience was already in favor of his ideas. It seems as though he was assuming he’d be ‘preaching to the choir’, as readers of the article might have already been interested in local produce. That phrase did jump out at me when reading the article. I think it may come across as less (mildly) alienating to phrase it as ‘many of us’ or something more specific to those who’ve already tried farmers’ markets in particular. But Bittman’s original phrase, by including the reader and asserting an absolute ‘all’, makes a much stronger statement.
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Bittman’s main point is that farmers’ markets need municipal support to thrive. I think he argued his point well. His strategy was interesting. He didn’t mention the real intention of the article until two-thirds of the way through, and in this case, I think it really benefitted his point. By educating his audience about the benefits of farmer’s markets first, his call to action seems more impactful.
Bittman asserts that the higher quality, fresher, better-tasting produce found in farmers’ markets is worth the extra money. He also discusses how farmers’ markets support local farmers who may be struggling to make ends meet through wholesale business alone. I was more swayed by the prospect of superior produce as that seemed to affect my daily life more directly.
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Bittman argues that purchasing produce from a farmers’ market is better than purchasing produce from a supermarket because it is not only a more cost-effective option, but a better of a sacrifice between the two options. I would agree with him..a lot of supermarket produce is not always the tastiest, which oftentimes leads to its non-consumption and, by consequence, a loss of money. Also, our health should be the number one priority in our lives given that if we are in bad health, we cannot fully enjoy anything, monetary or otherwise, that life has to offer.
Bittman’s usage of the word “we” includes all produce-shopping individuals who have tried the fares of both supermarkets and farmers’ markets. In this case, the word does in fact apply to me given that I have been in both premises and found that farmers’ market food to last longer and retain its texture and flavor longer than that of supermarket food. However, I do feel it would have been better if he had instead used “Those who have shopped at both supermarkets and farmers’ markets…”
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Although he is clearly asking people to go to farmer’s market more, but what he is aiming to get across the audience is that farmer’s market need the revenue. They are striving to find some more ways to get more foot traffic by using variety forms of payment. It is interesting how they are trying so hard to sell us good farmer’s food because if you were to go to a grocery store, which everyone in their life span has, what a person finds is either organic or inorganic food. Which probably cost a lot less than farmer’s market prices. But does not give you a “pow” or “splash” of flavors in your mouth. So my overall feelings about farmer’s market is that people should invest the money they have from the grocery stores to the farmer’s market. You will be getting better quality food and it is so delicious.
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1-2.
Bittman encourages people to visit farmer’s markets out of a romantic notion of farming as a wholesome activity whose value extends beyond that of commerce into an almost spiritual education. His argument is a depressed sigh about the economic realities of competition, rather like the plight of the small bookstore owner in the age of Amazon.
Bittman’s claim that farmer’s markets offer unarguable superiority invites readers to abandon the possibility that large-scale industry is capable of producing food of high quality. I am cautious of the use of the word “inarguable” employed mid-argument.
An essay on food, value, and quality that includes the word “inarguable” but fails to include the words “doctor”, “science”, “study”, “evidence”, or even “health” is one that has failed to convince me that even the basic premises of the thesis are sound. Instead of building on strong foundations, Bittman unwisely takes the debate into the very economic sea in which the sharks of industrial competition circle.
I enjoy farmer’s markets, and would think the world a worse place were they to disappear. They deserve an argument crafted with more care. This one was scattered and grasping.
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Mark Bittman claims the produce is fresher than that of super markets, buying produce at a Farmer’s Market supports local small businesses, and you can ask the Farmer how they are growing their foods. I find all these reasons persuasive, I think it is important to support local small businesses, I do believe that the produce found at Farmer’s Markets are generally fresher and have more flavor than what I buy at a super market. However, it is more expensive. Although I would love to be able to shop at a Farmer’s Market on a regular basis, it’s not practical or affordable for me.
I assume that Bittman’s “we” includes those that shop both at super markets and farmer’s markets. This does not include me, although I have shopped at farmer’s markets before, I have not noted which lasts longer. He might have presented his statement that way to reach out to the community, he is trying to include those that shop at farmer’s markets and the phrasing makes it seem like it is a fact. I did not think it is effective, since I do not feel like the “we” includes me, I felt excluded from the statement.
Overall, I did enjoy the article. I felt as if he was well informed, sincere, and his article was educational. Although, I don’t currently shop only at farmer’s market I do hope to be able to some day.
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Bitterman encourages people to buy their food at trustworthy farmers markets, however, the primary call to action of his essay is actually to increase financial support for farmers markets by reducing fees and providing adequate space for them. It seemed to me that his main supporting argument was that doing this would even the playing field between larger corporate food production and local farmers markets. In my opinion this would be giving an advantage to local farmers, not a an equal position. While Bitterman made a very strong case for people to shop at farmers markets I don’t believe that the his main point will be well received by audiences or that it is especially effective.
Bitterman’s statement “we’ve all seen farmers’ market produce last two or three times longer than supermarket produce.” alienates most of his readers and reduces the overall effectiveness of his essay. That statement makes it very clear who he believes his audience is, and while it probably makes for a more convincing argument to those people, it also makes much of the rest of the essay feel very impersonal and unpersuasive to a majority of people that might come across his article.
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Bittman wants the audience to buy at the farmer’s market because not only you will get the freshest produce but it helps the farmers as well. Even though the prices are higher you are better off getting produce from the farmers market because it is fresh and the shipments just came in. Unlike the supermarkets the produce needs to get delivered to the stores first and that is why the prices are a little bit lower because they have been sitting at the stores longer than at the farmers market. Bittman states the the farmers are struggling and are asking for people to visit the farmers market and boost up the farmers revenue. If I had the time to go to the farmers market I rather go there than to a supermarket. Knowing that the produce is going to be fresh and not in the process of getting of old.
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I have to agree because I live in a small town and fresh vegetables are everywhere. which really helps and for those that aren’t close to farms can have this as a good thing. Yes the prices can be really high. But, the quality of the produce is a lot better. And you don’t have to deal with the chemicals they put in the food to make it better.
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Bittman’s real argument is that given a few tweaks here and there the farmers market could become an even bigger business than it already is. He argues that there are more restrictions put on the farmer’s market than put on wholesale food stores. I myself believe that he should have focused the article on what he really was saying first instead and he should have put the advocating for farmer’s market’s second. Since he failed to put these two things in the right order he has failed to show his case efficiently and effectively.
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Thank you for explaining the Farmers’ Market Vs. “Producers’ Only” Farmers’ Market. My experience with these markets have been mixed and I suspect this may be one of the reasons. When on the Big Island of Hawaii I always visit the Farmers’ market and have found some of the best tasting papaya at excellent prices right next to pineapples that still have the Dole tags on them (usually at higher prices than at the local grocery store). After spending a little time chatting with the seller it turns out they gather produce from their small farm or garden as well as from others in their area. They have become the retail marketers while the neighbors put their time in on production and harvest. I’ve witnessed them unpacking new boxes of produce from their van’s in addition to their local bananas and papayas. I must suspect that they are basically consigning wholesale to them for resell. There must be some level of relationship and trust built up because at the end of the week, a couple hours before the 2 days off, the ripe produce goes on sale for about half off. The fruit and vegetables are not all perfect in appearance but the flavor is superior. Being in a tropical climate, the shelf life of the fully ripened produce is limited.
Seeing these same “farmers” manning their stalls day after day leads me to believe that this not so much support of local growers but supporting a local growing and distribution system. I’ve experienced a very similar situation in California. At a couple of those markets the sellers did divulge their sources, which were somewhat local (within 50 miles). Additionally, they told me of the circuit of markets that they attend. The quality of the locations and typical sales are well known to these people. I can appreciate your point of view trying to keep costs low and requesting municipal support but at what price point? Do these markets contribute to sales tax? or property tax? Instead of paying a water or utility bill you suggest free service. In these lean times for local governments, some even filing for bankruptcy protection, I doubt many can afford a giveaway program that competes with businesses that pay into the tax base. Just to be clear, I do support buying local, I do visit farmers produce stands and U-pick farms, and as I said I do purchase local grown at farmers’ markets.
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Bittman argues that a few key improvements could make it easier for farmers and markets to thrive. He goes on to say, “Near the top of many lists is municipal support, largely in the form of space, water, electricity and the like, and the reduction (or absence) of fees.” His argument is convincing as he addresses real issues, prevalent at markets everywhere, even in the small town I live in. Also, by providing possible solutions to these issues- such as a more permanent space for these farmers to utilize, benefitting both the customers, along with the farmers- Bittman creates a more convincing argument.
According to Bittman, farmers markets are worthwhile, even with the extensive prices because they offer food of superior quality, help support smaller-scale farmers in an environment that’s more and more difficult for anyone not doing industrial-scale agriculture, and increase the amount of local food available to shoppers. I find his first point the most convincing. Being a regular at the local farmer’s market, I can tell you that it is the delicious taste and vibrant colors of the products that make up for the price. It really makes you wonder why the grocery store tomatoes are more of a pale pink than a vibrant red and taste lie water.
3.Bittman’s usage of the word “we” when he says, “we’ve all seen farmers’ market produce last two or three times longer than supermarket produce.” includes all produce-shopping individuals who experienced both supermarkets and farmers’ markets. In this case, the word does in fact apply to me given that I have been a customer at both. (even though I do not agree with his claim that fresh produce lasts longer than super market produce which is treated with chemicals to preserve freshness.)
I feel it would have been better if he had instead used “Those who have shopped at both supermarkets and farmers’ markets…” Rather than alienating most of his readers and reducing the overall effectiveness of his essay.
Our local farmers market could definitely use more parking as well as an indoor space. I live in Minnesota where our winters are extremely brutal so it is pretty much impossible for the farmers market to continue year round. However, during the months when it is decent enough for things to grow, our farmers market has a tough time finding a location to sell the produce. Each weekend it is a scavenger hunt trying to find the new location, which is always poorly advertised. With a permanent indoor facility, and better advertising, I feel our market would gain more support as well as become more organized and established.
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lkaj
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According to Bittman, farmers markets are worthwhile, even though it’s usually more expensive. He gives some examples stating that farmers markets “offer food of superior quality, help support smaller-scale farmers in an environment that’s more and more difficult for anyone not doing industrial-scale agriculture, and increase the amount of local food available to shoppers.” I think the best benefit Bittman mentions s that when shopping at a farmers market you know exactly where the food is coming from, and you have the option of talking with the farmer about their product. Knowing where and when a crop was grown really is important when trying to eat healthy and more organically. Not only do you know what you’re getting the products most likely will taste ten times better than from a mass store.
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I think farmer’s markets are a great idea, and I believe more should be made available. They would be even more beneficial in inner-city neighborhoods where large grocery stores are not available. It would allow the residents in those communities to have access to healthier food options. Another benefit is the intimate relationship you get to experience with the farmers who actually grow the food. Additionally, it will allow for a closer sense of community that has been lost to a lot of neighborhoods.
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Bittman talks all about famers markets and how the are a more reliable source then your local supermarket. Farmers markets although probably more expensive have better and fresher quality foods. Bittman raves about how you can find different and unique foods at farmers market that you usually wouldn’t find at the supermarket. Bittman say that not only are you getting tastier foods but the money spent for those foods could go to a friend or neighbor instead some giant industry.
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I think farmers markets is a good idea. People can obtain fresh and safe agricultural products which can be traced where they come from. Customers can get enough information they want by talking when they select products. That is best part I love of farmers markets because I can learn about all about what I will eat, Is it GM product, What are pesticides famers use? Another part I like is the markets face to local famers and customers. That indeed helps some small-scale famers and provides more good choices. Facing to local customers also helps famers saving more transportation cost and time, it keeps fruits and vegetables fresh and improves the taste. The disadvantage of farmers markets is more expensive, I prefer to choose expensive but safe and fresh agricultural products than those products came from remote places and placed on supermarket shelves for weeks.
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Farmers markets are a great idea. They offer more of a selection of high quality foods than those that you get at a supermarket. They also offer some produce that’s hard to find. In the article Bittman talks about finding a salad green at a farmers market that he hadn’t been able to find in years. Farmers markets are a means of making money for small farmers and small town businesses. I think that the markets should be more available to citizens not only in the country but also in larger more populated areas. I would much rather my child grab an apple from the produce stand on the way home from school than a big gulp and a bag of chips. Parents can encourage their children to try new foods by going to farmers markets and introducing them to the different fruits and vegetables. Another great thing about farmers markets is that it’s like a community in itself. People are friendly and are eager to share with you the information about their products. Families should be given healthier choices and also be educated on eating healthier.
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I personally have never been to a farmer’s market but I know people who have and they LOVE it! While yes they all have room for improvement they’re still really healthy and locally grown which most people want. They have so many benefits like that they aren’t mass produced and they still have the nutrients in them that ones at the supermarket might not have. Essentially, it’s better than Walmart and you don’t have to work on the farm to get it.
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Anything that has great potential or quality costs extra and producing quality food takes a lot of time, care, effort and money. Like Bittman says that farmers markets are worthwhile even if it costs a little extra. The taste of an apple from a farmers market tastes better than from a large company brand. It is also understandable why the costs for fresh produce is a little more for all the resources that farmers use they have to be able to make money not lose money.
Where i used to live, every week they would have a farmers market and you could see and smell the freshness of the produce. I would always shop from there and whatever i would cook with it would taste great because of the extra flavor. I believe more farmer markets should be available and farmers should receive some extra help. So they wont have to give up so much and everyone would eventually benefit from it better.
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Bitman is arguing that shopping at farmers market is worth while because of the all around health benefits, and helping out local farmers. His argument seems kind of one sided, he doesn’t go against any naysayers. While his argument about the benefits are persuasive, for me it isn’t compelling enough. Farmers markets in our town are few and far between, and I would rather get more bang for my buck (the chemicals in organic store bought fruit haven’t killed anybody yet.
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I agree with Bernard L that there should be more farmer’s markets made available. The benefits of high quality produce would help improve the health of others. I also like Bernard’s point that consumers could have a close relationship with the farmers who are producing the food. I found this article interesting because I had never really thought about the concept behind farmer’s markets. The article highlights the great quality of the produce from farmers, which is something I find interesting. Normally, I do not think about what kinds of chemicals could be in the fruits and vegetables I eat. I agree with Bernard and the article that farmer’s markets are great ideas and is a great way to provide healthy choices of food.
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Bernard L. makes a good point on how farmers’ markets allow for a closer sense of community. I can confirm this from my own experiences. Back home, I loved going to the farmer’s market. Not only could I purchase some great quality fresh produce, but I also got the chance to talk to the local farmers and residents. At the farmers’ market we all automatically had something in common; we valued how our produce was grown and we supported purchasing locally. It was nice seeing familiar friendly faces and getting to talk to other residents every week. Although not as strong, the farmers’ market that comes to Greene Street provides a similar sense of community that is absent from any Walmart I’ve ever been in.
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I agree with Amy Uhlar’s opinion that Bittman’s greatest point in his article is that buying foods from farmers markets is such a knowledgeable experience because my experience going to and buying produce from farmers markets confirms it. The local market near my home is new and constantly growing with many different vendors coming in and out. My mom makes sure to talk to the farmers about where they grow their vegetables and if they are organic before buying anything. The farmers are happy to inform you about the food you are eating and make you feel good about buying locally grown food. The best part of farmers markets is definitely the ability to get the clarifications you want about what you are putting in your body.
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Bittman’s actual argument focuses on the need for local, state, and federal support of small businesses. According to Bittman, these independently owned markets are thriving “despite still-inadequate recognition and lack of government support.” If all governing bodies embraced and supported the local farmers as much as those involved in industrial-scale agriculture, then the public would have more choice, more exotic foods, and a healthier lifestyle.
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2.Bittman argues that buying food from a farmers market is better than buying food from the supermarket because food that farmers grow tend to be fresher, juicer, healthier and last longer. Bittman argues to buy farmers market produce even though it is more expensive, is because the farmer grows it himself and you can ask where it comes from.”Know your farmer, Know your food”, is important because if your farmer is able to tell you how it was grown then it is worth the money. I found that saying to be the most persuasive reason because if your farmer is able to take you through the process that your food went through then you know that you food is high quality and worth being highly priced.
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grocery stores are far more convenient, i don’t understand why these people don’t get real steady jobs instead of having to rely on there neighbors. leave it to the farmers to grow the fruit sell it to big industries to sell fruit to companies, i myself work at a grocery store just happens to be a produce dept. and we have fresh fruit shipped to us every single day. we water the fruit clean it out every day what ever didn’t get sold. farmers markets are more expensive because they don’t get their prices as low as whole sales stores do cause they buy in bulk. the more you buy the less you get it.
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that people should buy fresh foods instead of fast food. i believe he made his point clearly because he gave a decent amount of evidence.
so you know exactly what you are getting.
I have seen a farmers market and been to one on more than one occasion. I have also bought fresh food products from one before. The taste is a lot better than normal stores becuase there is no packaging that contains pesticides.
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I feel that you can’t go wrong with a good Farmer’s Market. We live in a world where everyone is just too busy to shop for Sunday dinner lets alone cook it. Everybody is looking for that next quick meal. With a Farmer Market I feel not only do you get A great healthy choice, but you also get food that Haven’t had anything added to them to make them more appealing. So with that been said I think we as a society should try to visit more Farmer’s Market, and support the local family.
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Bittmans main point in this article is to shop at farmers markets because of the farmer.Farmers work very hard and long days.He wants to help the farmers make more money as well as have more markets ,so we could have a relationship with the people who actually grow the food.
I think Farmers markets are great yes they are a bit pricey but you get what you pay for .He is completely correct you do get what you pay for.Spending a little more money on this food is okay because it lasts longer than say shop rites fruits or vegetables.This produce is also completely fresh .
When Bittman says “we” all notice produce from farmers markets last longer he is talking about us.Society notices the good and bad things they eat.If it is bad of course someone is going to speak up about it.On the other hand if it is good and positive they will keep going.
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Nothing makes me happier than strolling around a farmers market on a Sunday morning,or any day! Part of the reason this article grabbed my interest so much. Farmers markets should be every where just as there should be more farmers. Like he mentioned it is so nice to be able to speak to the farmers personally and learn exactly what took place in the growth of the produce. It also contributes to local small businesses which i love to do! When you go to a farmers market you not only get fresh responsibly priced produce, but local artist or sellers come also. I really like how he touched on so many different benefits of going to a farmers market! it would be really nice if small towns had great farmers markets like the big cities he mentioned.
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I think Bittman makes a good point! I feel if everyone did a taste test of their favorite fruit or vegetable and compared the home grown organic one to the one just bought at a supermarket they you see a real difference. The farmer markets produce is not only less harmful to your body but it also might taste even better. Farmer markets are my favorite because like Bittman mention you know where your food is coming from. Even if I have a question where it’s coming from they tell with no hesitation and I like that. Depending on which farmers market you go to depends on the prices usually. There are some good deals and not so good deals. It is the same at the supermarket sometimes they have outrageous prices on tomatoes. I think Bittman did a very good job explaining all the aspects of farmer markets, I hope to see more pop up where I live.
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Bittmam clearly encourages people to shop at farmers markets, but his main argument is that even though the high prices at farmers markets are well worth it, the prices should be reduced because more people would support them. According to Bittman buying produce at a farmers market is better than buying produce at a supermarket because the food in a farmers market is naturally grown, tastes better, lasts longer, and is a way to support local business or even a neighbor. The fact that the produce tastes better is the most convincing, one of the main reasons people eat unhealthy is because healthy food doesn’t taste good to them. When Bittman say “we’ve all seen farmers market produce last two or three times longer than supermarket produce” the “we” he’s referring to his readers assuming that they have all purchased farmers market produce. His phrasing is effective because typically people who’d interest in reading an article about the benefits of faresarket produce opposed to supermarket produce,would be people who have had experience of some sort with farmers market produce.
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I agree with Bittman. The farmer’s market is a great way for locals to buy food. When people come to the market, they already know that what they’re buying is very fresh and organic. Unlike going to a regular supermarket, you have a variety of choices of one thing, all differing in tastes. Also, farmer’s markets encourages people to walk more, all making the farmer market a healthy decision to make. Although the prices might be a little pricy compared to grocery stores, I think the farmers market is worth paying for because it paves a healthier life style for people to come together and enjoy a warm environment.
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Farmer’s markets have been growing in popularity in recent years and can be found in most cities, providing the public access to fresh produce and products with quality far better than that found in supermarkets. Many people will argue that farmer’s markets are too expensive and not worth the trip, but in our society one should definitely make an effort to shop at these markets more often. Contrary to popular belief, the food found at farmer’s markets can cost a lot less than it does in bigger stores. Unlike supermarkets, farmers have much more control over the prices, and can set them fairly. However, food can often be more expensive at markets, yet the price is higher for a reason; at farmer’s markets the products are almost always of higher quality than those in stores. The food is more organic, raised humanely, and grown without harsh pesticides. Not only does this mean it tastes better, it means that the food that you eat everyday will have less chemicals and more nutrients, making you and your family healthier. Farmer’s markets also have the added benefit of supporting local businesses and providing farmer-customer interaction in a world where large, corporate companies control everything. Hardworking people receive the support they deserve, and you in return get to know exactly where your food is coming from, and how it was grown or raised. With all this in mind, we should do our best to raise awareness and support for farmer’s markets, and do ourselves a favor by buying fresh food from local farmers.
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The current agricultural model is not sustainable. We will eventually be forced to think locally. A sustainable option is supporting and developing small- scale local farmers. They do not destroy the soil, over tax the water supply or apply chemicals to their products in a health threatening manner. Additionally, they offer seasonal produce, better quality, healthier food, and greater availability of specialty items. The prices may seem to be higher than those at your local grocery store, but isn’t it worth it? When supporting you local farmer’s market, you support jobs in your own community and help stimulate the local economy. Farmer’s markets allow food supplier and food consumer to interact directly. Consumers can have input into how their food is handled and what is being produced. This connection to the food you are eating is lost when you purchase from “Publix.” National. state, and local government should support a strong and viable farmer’s market network. It is better for its people and for its economy.
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In today’s contemporary society, many humans favor towards fast food because it’s great tasting, and on the go food. Fresh fruit and vegetables are decreasing in favor when compared to junk food. The taste of fresh and healthy food is less appealing. The economy feels that they can raise more money by making prices higher at a famers market- possibly thinking that fresh food will become more desirable to people. Sadly many complain about spending hard-earned money, on food that will spoil after a week, compared to buying junk food-which could last months, or even years. The generations from the past to the present have forgotten the joy of bitting into a sweet, and ripe fruit straight from the farm. Bittman’s article on farmers markets argues how they help society, economically and socially.
Most of our food comes from the basics of what’s grown on a farm. A prime example is a salad. Sounds simple, easy to make, and really healthy for you-depending on what you add to it. But the lettuce, tomatoes, olives and cheese (etc.) are grown with care by farmers who make sure its healthy and in season. Farmers make its quality and quantity of food huge to attract people. Bittman agrees, “The quality of produce in producer-only markets — that is, places where people sell what they grow — is phenomenal, especially right now.” When going to a farmers market, it’s guaranteed that the food you buy is worth the money spent. And to assure all the skeptical people- that the money given to markets isn’t being wasted on selfish needs or wants- Bittman explains that it supports smaller businesses. Many people underestimate farmers markets, for Bittman explains how “Farmers’ markets are not just markets. They’re educational systems that teach us how food is raised and why that matters”. They remind humans of how the world has evolved and proves how the old fashioned way can still be the best way for society.
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Farmer’s markets have become very popular in our society today. People have become health conscious and want to buy fresh groceries. Unfortunately, this becomes quite difficult as regular supermarkets sell products with pesticides and other growth hormones. Farmer’s markets connect local farmers to customers and gives consumers a healthy and safe place to purchase their produce. Although, the price may be a little higher than your neighborhood supermarket, I believe it is worth it. In my opinion, it is better to support your local farmers instead of a large chain of grocery stores. Not only does it help your local economy grow, it also provides fresh food that which you can trust. I believe the government should support this growing popularity of farmers markets and open even more farmer’s market throughout America. We will be helping our economy and our people.
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I agree with Bernard L in that more local farmers markets should be available. They benefit, not only the consumers who purchase fresh and healthy foods, but also small town businesses. Oft times, we do not have time to cook meals, let alone go to the grocery store to purchase everything. At a farmer’s market, customers know that the products are clean and do not have added growth hormones or pesticides, and everything they need is in one area; you can trace back where exactly the food came from. You can also find a variety of foods at these markets.
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It is worthwhile buying produce from farmer’s markets than supermarkets because the quality is better and the produce is actually fresh. Although the prices at farmer’s markets are more expensive than supermarkets, the produce is worth your money. Also, when buying produce from local farmer’s markets the customer is able to know the farmer and know their food. I find this reason most persuasive because you’re guaranteed real freshness when buying from a local farmer and you’re able to ask questions about how they are growing their produce. Buying produce from a farmer’s markets shows that you are supporting a local business or even a neighbor.
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