Morning at the Farmers' Market

It seems that fresh food markets have become very popular over the last few years, I guess in part because our farmers feel as though they are being ripped off by the large chain stores that buy the farmers' produce for a low price and then sell it to their retail customers after a significant markup.

From the end user's perspective, the markets became a place to buy farm-fresh produce at a lower price. I'm not sure that the lower prices are still apparent, but if that means that more money is going to the producer, I'm all for it.

Most of the markets around Brisbane have become trendy places, not only for shopping, but also for breakfast and the opportunity to catch up with other locals. Many of the stalls are manned by real characters - the fishmonger with a joke for every customer, the chilli vendor who supports global warming, not to mention the jazz group dressed like priests and nuns.

At our last local market, I saw this real Aussie peach farmer with his goods, standing in the morning sun. His face looked as though he had seen a tough season or two, but the smile and friendly banter were genuine. The lovely colours of the peaches and the light from the early sun indicated that a picture would be in order, and I am quite pleased with the result.

EXIF: Nikon D200; Nikkor 17-55 mm DX; ISO 400; 1/320 sec; f8.

TFF