Today I provide a minor rant about farmer's markets, because I attend them, both as a business person and as a buyer.  The minute school is out, there is a great push for farmer's markets - everyone wants to be green and buy fresh produce, and support the local farmers.

But here's the thing - unless you live in the south, or in California, there just isn't much local produce to be had in June. It's just the way it is - the growing season is truly just starting.  Remember the old phrase about corn- knee high by the fouth of July? Well, it holds true for most of us - and if you want corn on the cob earlier, it's guaranteed to be shipped in from California or Mexico.

Yet the demand for the farmer's market this early in the year is there.  So the organizers have to fill the space until the local farmers can bring their produce in, so they call upon the local crafters, artists and other food vendors to fill the space. After all, if there was only one booth at the farmer's market, would you go back?

And then here comes the dilemma, and my reason for ranting - people who call for a farmer's market this early in the season, and then complain when they cannot find local fresh produce and find artisans instead. Interestingly enough, these are the same folks who insist they support the local business people - but guess what? Just because we have a tent rather than a storefront, it doesn't make us any less local business folk.  Our products are local, usually handmade, and yes, we're trying to earn an income too.

Locally, we're lucky -there is a farmer who comes up the mountain, and who grows his goods in  greenhouses, so we are getting fresh local produce.  Same with the guy who brings the cherries - now those ARE seasonal fruit.  The rest of us? Still a local product, produced by us and/or our friends. Usually right in our own livingrooms and kitchens.

So how about supporting us like you insist you do, and stop complaining? Or accept the fact that in the future, you're just going to have to go to the local grocery store and get your corn from Mexico, becuse the locals are just going to stop trying to appease you.

Thanks for tolerating my rant - and please, do support ALL the businesses at your local farmer's markets - they're just trying to earn an income, just like you.