To me it appears that four large vendors dominate the market, they have multiple booths. The boxes of produce are packaged in the containers that I see in the large stores. (Product of Mexico)
This is the only Farm market that I have ever been to that does not allow samples of produce or other products. Slices of apples little things like that. Even jams, seasonings, bread or herbal dips. Several vendors told me the Market Association forbids it. But I can buy African beads like a flea market. So much for the ambiance and flavor of a market. Samples are not the reason that I go to a farm market. This Fulton Street Market is not the place to shop there are other farm markets in the Grand Rapids area I recommend that you seek them out.
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I think you judge too hastily. I've gone to Fulton St. for over 40 years--first as a child with my mother, with my own children,and now as an empty-nest-er. Fulton St. is an URBAN market--it makes so attempts to be gentrified or cutesy. It's been an institution for generations of families. As for the four vendors you criticized, that's where history helps--of course there's always those who will come in with produce purchased at the wholesale market. That will happen in any market--and quite frankly, let the buyer be savvy! But if you look closely, you'll see the Ham's of Allendale, and the raspberry ladies from Comstock Park, and potato man, Turtle Creek Farms, and the man who hand grinds his grains and flours, and the grass fed lamb vendors, and ... I could go on and on--all of whom have provided GR with local produce for many years.
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Try the Grand Haven Farmers Market or the Holland Farmers Market. They are more authentic and seem to be what you are looking for out of a Farmer's Market. Hope this helps.
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As a new vendor at the Grand Haven Farmer's Market, I can also say we have our share of resellers. This was shock to me as I had been a regular customer for years before marrying a farmer and learning otherwise. As long as it is grown somewhere in Michigan or could have been your produce isn't questioned and you do not have to grow or produce anything yourself at all to sell at the market. The saddest part is there is no preference given for a market spot to the farmers/producers who actually do. We've seen melons being pulled out of boxes saying "Canada Melons" and squash and sweet corn from Meijer, etc.. We have vendors contact us about buying OUR fruit to sell at the same market!?! I guess what I'm trying to say is that if you care about directly supporting a farmer you want to choose carefully. Can you drive by the farm and see the fruits or veggies or better yet visit? Ask questions! Do they know their produce and talk about this years crop? If they say they their neighbor grew it that's a bad sign:) As far as this market goes, I know some amazing farmers who attend!!! There are so many choices at this market and probably more actual farmers than most Michigan farmers markets.