Have to toss this in. Some lines from Woody Allen's "Sleeper."

Allen's character wakes up 200 years in the future.

"Dr. Melik: This morning for breakfast he requested something called "wheat germ, organic honey and tiger's milk."

Dr. Aragon: [chuckling] Oh, yes. Those are the charmed substances that some years ago were thought to contain life-preserving properties.

Dr. Melik: You mean there was no deep fat? No steak or cream pies or... hot fudge?

Dr. Aragon: Those were thought to be unhealthy... precisely the opposite of what we now know to be true.

Dr. Melik: Incredible. "

I've always kept that in the back of my mind. As we currently understand, fresh lard is health food. I'm still awaiting the all hot fudge diet...

Farmers markets aren't like that where I am. I live in rual Ontario between Windsor and Toronto. 
I can go to 3 farmers markets within a 10min drive from my house. Two of those market have family farms selling products that I know the families personally from high school and church. The rest have farms within an hour of my house. 
Has the produce been sprayed and raised with chemical fertilizer? Yes.  Am I worried about that ? No. I'm more concerned with going to the store and buying something labled product of (name a country that's not Canada or USA).  Why u ask? I know the guide lines that our farmers have to follow and even what chemicals are available for them to use and know that ones that have been outlawed here are still used in places like Mexico or south American. 

Eggzellent said:

"..It’s planted grown harvested & consumed all within those 2 miles, probably the least strain on the environment I can throw in on; something I find important & believe would be good if everyone had this option (read option, not requirement).."

You simply don't understand the 'food justice' movement in 'food wastelands' (ask FredFlinstone in Flint, MI) or how your tax dollar MUST make up for same due to the inequalities that YOU fostered (few do). The latter is a REQUIREMENT not an "option" for those even a few feet farther from your favorite farm than you.

wow, if this is the bottle talking maybe put it down pal; my purchase of a bunch of carrots at Petes does not foster a food wasteland in Flint; piss-poor planning and relentless government intrusion/intervention into & conspiracy with (and often against) various components the business of food has taken care of that.  I'm one guy with a choice where to spend my money, my input ends there.  Are you gonna tell me I can do my part by voting the bums out?  Which bums, blue or red?  They're indistinguishable.  You've got a pretty big chip on your shoulder, will you tell us why?

CanadianAnvil said:

Has the produce been sprayed and raised with chemical fertilizer? Yes.  Am I worried about that ? No. I'm more concerned with going to the store and buying something labled product of (name a country that's not Canada or USA).  Why u ask? I know the guide lines that our farmers have to follow and even what chemicals are available for them to use and know that ones that have been outlawed here are still used in places like Mexico or south American. 

In other words, YOU make the choice of what you will buy on any given day...not some ex-hippie with a political/social axe to grind or wealthy benefactors within the community trying to create a high-priced market 'Xanadu' which only the more affluent can participate in.

You know or get to know the vendors and make choices which may or may not enable that vendor to 'make it' should others feel the same.

It's not very complicated if you leave the 'social justice' aspect out disguised as anything but.

Darby_Crenshaw said:

i understand the argument. But i'm not entirely sure that the only reason a truly ripe local tomato is more expensive than a supermarket tomato is due to some socialist price-fixed anti-freemarket agenda. 

I tend to not be an extremist in either regard on most things. Kinda trying to see both sides. 

Both sides (on most issues) can get a little nutty. 

If that tomato was listed on an electronic board at the entrance to the market with its price and vendor listed right next to it along with all the others selling tomatoes that day...you're right...'extremes' (or might we call it 'innovation') aren't necessarily 'comfortable' for those seeking 'compromise' in everything (or 'nothing' as is the case in Farmers market management nationwide).

'..It must bother you greatly that the whole world doesn't conform to your Libertarian wet dream..."

'Again'...1,422 posts...and an unfettered desire to insult (yet) another forum member over...food.

Zippylip:
You may believe that politicians are "indistinguishable" in terms of party affiliation and receive plenty of agreement.

..yet it only takes 'one' member of any community to question what all others dare not..should you dare! (this can be applied to present/future benefits for an older generation that your grandchildren can simply not afford as well).

Eggzellent said:

'..It must bother you greatly that the whole world doesn't conform to your Libertarian wet dream..."

'Again'...1,422 posts...and an unfettered desire to insult (yet) another forum member over...food.

Zippylip:
You may believe that politicians are "indistinguishable" in terms of party affiliation and receive plenty of agreement.

..yet it only takes 'one' member of any community to question what all others dare not..should you dare! (this can be applied to present/future benefits for an older generation that your grandchildren can simply not afford as well).

Wasn't an insult dude...just an observation. Don't be so thin skinned.

nolaegghead said:

Great mid-day 'entertainment'.  Reminds 'me' of a Maury Povich show.

Now, I have 'work' to do.

It's not a real Maury Povich show until somebody starts throwing chairs. Haven't seen that happen just yet.