What’s a vacation?
When's the last time you took a vacation?
Recently, a group of farmers market managers at the International Public Markets Conference in Toronto had a conversation over lunch. "Are you seeing farmers and vendors taking time off for vacations?"
There was agreement all around that attendance rules have necessarily changed in the last couple of years. Farmers who had been committed not only rain or shine, but in sickness and in health, check out of markets for a week to catch up. Bakers head off to explore bakeries on other shores and learn new recipes and techniques. Vendors and managers alike schedule out for family vacations, even if it means missing a market or two.
The old standards that required full attendance to keep a place in a market have eased a bit. The conventional wisdom is still the same: shoppers are disappointed when a farmer or vendor on their shopping list is out. But everything else has changed, including our priorities.
The pandemic altered so much, so suddenly and so completely, that it's had a lasting affect. Families yoked to two full time incomes learned new tricks. Workaholics reconnected with their people, in a pod or on Zoom. Even the privileged gained a new sense of mortality. And with that, a new perspective on what's important.
We on the front lines kept working: farmers markets are essential, after all. Doing that, we rediscovered our value and also our vulnerability.
Supply chains for ingredients, packaging and even seeds mean new production and delivery schedules. Businesses paused for a time then revived now thrive. Restaurants open just five days a week to adjust to staff shortages still fill their seats. Consumers cope with empty shelves.
Everything, all the time, is no longer the expectation.
That includes farmers markets and their stalls. Juggling the roster and the map means some extra work. Keeping a slate of substitute vendors mean more small farmers and businesses get chances to sell. Market shoppers grouse when a favorite farmer takes off for two weeks. Meeting new vendors and discovering new products delights them.
Will the market run exactly the same if a manger takes a vacation? Maybe not. A vendor may end up in the wrong spot. A sign could be forgotten. Something in the paperwork might not balance. Will the show go on? Most likely. Meanwhile, a manager who gets a chance to explore farmers markets in a different city will come back with new ideas. One who spends a week in a quiet cabin will come back with a renewed spirit.
It's not easy to give up a standard, like perfect attendance, that's been a cornerstone for many markets. New expectations include work life balance, awareness of physical and emotional needs, and the value of rest. Showing up consistently is still important to build our shoppers' trust. That can be done with more flexibility.
We change. We adjust. We grow community.
Want to share your perspective about any of this? Drop us an email or message us on Instagram and let's keep growing.