I cannot tell you how frustrating it is to go to stalls and see produce that the seller obviously did not grow and probably ran into Schnucks that morning to buy! Limes, lemons and pineapples will NEVER grow (in any salable quantity) in Illinois and melons certainly aren't available in May and early June like I saw this year. If the seller didn't grow it, it shouldn't be permitted at the market.
Also, can we get some variety and a greater number of sellers? I saw broccoli once at the market this past season and never saw cauliflower. There have got to be small scale famers raising chickens, beef, etc., and those selling eggs. Let's get them to the market. How about cut flowers? Honey? Vegetable seedlings ready for transplant?
It also makes me wonder when vendors at the market have PLU stickers on their produce - the type of sticker that grocery stores require. I want to buy local and support local - farmers who have contracts with large wholesalers perhaps do not need my business so much as the small, family run organic farm.
Please, let's have a bigger and better Peoria Farmer's Market next season!