Our community and Farmers Markets : Choose wisely

Here at PHbotanical, community is important to us and we take pride in sharing our local products with the community. Being so passionate about “keeping it local” I just thought I would share my thoughts on the changes I’ve been seeing through the years. The changes I’ve noticed makes it difficult to trust what we thought was from our community or an authentic event.

I’ve always loved walking through farmers markets throughout my years and buying from these small local vendors… That was days past, when a farmers market meant seeing a family selling their home grown vegetables, jams, breads and crafts. Today, that’s not the case. I stroll through many of the larger markets popping up and I’m sad to see the direction some of these vendors are taking. Farmers markets that have gotten too big with so many vendors seeming to be buying fruits and Vegetables from mass producers (leftovers) who are in the area rather than keeping it local… Ask yourself, can this vegetable or fruit really grow year round? If not, they are NOT selling their own products from their garden. Think seasons people…. even clothes have seasons. If the organic skin company that is selling their products doesn’t use dark brown or dark blue glass bottles and jars but instead use clear glass or worse yet clear plastic (highly questionable products)… it is more than likely not the real deal.

As PHbotanical moves from our old retail space, (yes we miss the store, but retail markets both online and farmers booths are changing so we must keep up with the change… and change is good for the soul anyways) to different markets around the area, we want to make sure we are in the one that sells the real deal. We’ve done our research and looked around and we started circulating our products in “INDIE Markets.” The way they are set up is very interesting as they rotate vendors and only pop up every month in one given area. My favorite INDIE Markets are very selective with quality and as to who gets in which makes for desirable and high quality products being presented. Other than the INDIE Markets, we have now also seen small farmer’s markets pop up on the radar (really happy about that) and we are applying for the both type markets. We will keep you posted by Instagram and Facebook when we are in them and where they will be located. We’re hoping to see your faces there!

So buyer beware, online or off make sure the product is from the area and the real thing.