To Market, To Market

Austin’s Farmers Market, for over four years now, has been a growing community of small businesses who have developed a center for economic growth and community development. These small business owners work hard for their money, as their business growth is based on Austin’s vibrant, ever-changing community. Every Saturday, sellers of the freshest fruits, vegetables, herbs, honeys, and many other various products, leave their homes around 5 am, and drive into Austin to set up their market. Salesmanship definitely comes into play among the sellers of these delectable goods. One seller of herbs would not let me leave his stand until I tasted each of his home grown favorites. Much to his dismay, I did not have money to purchase a plant of his, so he solemnly shrugged his shoulders and waved me on. I then thought to myself, how do these business owners maintain their crops, especially through our Texas droughts, and, if they can maintain a sustainable product, then how can they rely on Austinites to pay their salary? Making a small farm profitable is harder than one may think, and sadly, these farmers have very little say as to what regulations and taxes are bestowed upon them. There is a Texas Farmers Association and a Farmers Union which allows these small businesses to join and be given a voice in their community. By joining together, these owners hope to provide affordable, healthy food, strengthen the small business sector, and make people more aware of their influence on the Texas food system. Next time, when deciding where to buy groceries, choose the Austin Farmers Market, and be part of something greater than another corporate customer at a food chain.