Are we farmers market failures?

Here in Southern California we love our farmers markets. But do we love them as much as the folks up north in Davis? Or back east in Ithaca, N.Y.? Or in Sunset Valley, Texas, for god's sake? Apparently not. American Farmland Trust is running a national online poll to determine the best farmers market in America and the only Southern California market in the Top 60 is Santa Barbara's. 

Now, there's no arguing that there are great farmers markets all over the country these days. But Ithaca? Given the weather up there, how long can it be open? Two weeks in August?
No, I think the problem is that maybe we've grown just a little complacent. Certainly the Santa Monica and Hollywood markets ought to be on that list. And for that matter, so should Torrance and Pasadena's Victory Park. And I'll bet you can think of a couple more.

Markets in the competition are divided into three size categories, depending on how many vendors attend them. The smallest markets are 30 vendors or smaller and the leading vote-getters so far are something called Smart Markets at Mason, in northern Virginia, and the Collingswood, N.J., farmers market. The Fresno State farmers market is third.

Mid-size markets have between 30 and 55 vendors. Leaders are the Capitol market in Charleston, West Va., the Historic Lewes, Del., Farmers Market, and the Farmers Market at Minnetrista in Muncie, Ind. 

Leading the big-market competition are the Davis market, just outside of Sacramento, Ithaca and Sunset Valley. Where in the world is Sunset Valley? Or, maybe more to the point, where in the world is Santa Monica? There's still time to right this grievous wrong. Vote early and vote often.

-- Russ Parsons

Photo: Alex Weiser at the Santa Monica farmers market. Credit: David Karp / For The Times

Comments

[East Coaster]

Regarding "You've gotten my East Coast dander up a little!"

Well spoken, Tinky. (I also liked the link, the photo in the header is worth the click)

Please support an east coast market that doesn''t "dis" other regions to get votes? Go to http://www.collingwoodmarket.com.

Thanks for voting.

[Jane George]

For those of you unfamiliar with the Ithaca Farmers' Market please visit: http://www.ithacamarket.com/ and check it out. By the way, it is open from April through December. This past winter it even moved inside for a few weekends to make some produce available along with baked goods, cheese, wine, art and crafts. This market is fabulous, very well attended and 'green.' Ithacans and visitors are serious about supporting local vendors.

[Tinky Weisblat]

I admit it--you've gotten my East Coast dander up a little! But I'm glad to hear about the poll.

Here's my reaction:

http://www.ourgrandmotherskitchens.com/?p=3993

Tinky in rural Massachusetts

[carter]

Sunset Valley is SW of downtown Austin, just below I-290. Austin is also home to Whole Foods Market, so a) maybe the people there care about produce, or b/ WFM isn't doing the job it should be!!!
As to our local scene, we have so many markets as samkin states that no one dominates, even though Santa Monica is still the local king, but if you don't live nearby, well....

[Jennifer]

Sam and others--there are over 700 markets across the country particpating in the America's Favorite Farmers Market Contest. You can vote for your favorites (no more than one vote per market) until midnight on Aug. 8.
If your market isn't listed, they can still sign up (it's free).
Our website lists the current top 20 in each of three categories. Come visit the site and vote:
www.farmland.org/org

[Allen Wood]

Great article, Russ. There is still time for the Santa Monica, Hollywood etc. markets to climb the list! The more everyone votes, the more support we lend to our beloved farmers markets and local farmers, alike. Also, great to see Alex Weiser pictured, he is one of the featured farmers on our website.
Allen@AFT
To vote, go to:
www.farmland.org/vote
To learn more about Alex Weiser, go to:
http://tinyurl.com/lr3l2b

[samkim]

There are far more farmers markets in LA..the other farmers markets are the only ones in their respective regions, correct?