My biggest tip to save on produce might seem a bit obvious… but it’s to shop at Farmers Markets!

Folks don’t realize it but grocery stores mark produce up over 3 times the price they paid for it!   They have to account for lost produce that spoils before it’s purchased or is too damaged to sell, plus add in a bit for profit, and in the end you are paying way more than the farmer sold it for!!

Cut out the middle man and go straight to the farmer!

A Farmers Market is the best option since a local farm doesn’t usually sell every single thing you want on the same farm.  To get the best prices though you don’t want to just walk up and start handing out money.  Here are a few tips to help you get the best price!

How to Get the Best Price at Farmers Markets

Go To Bigger Markets

To get the lowest prices you want to shop where there are multiple farms represented.  Generally that’s not the roadside stand or tiny farmers market held in a trendy parking lot.  Do a bit of a hunt before heading out.  The best resource is to call your local agriculture extension office (every county has one so google it if needed).  They can tell you local markets, and even farms that will direct sell to you.

Grab the Daily Pricing Report

Did you know that the US Government tracks prices each day for produce?  Yep!  And they put it all in a report you can pull up any time you want.  If you are heading to a Farmers Market this should always be your first stop!  The daily report will show you what’s currently in season (and at the market) plus the going price for that item.  They only track federal markets, which we have 19 in the US.  Three of those are in the South East though!

How this helps you…
When you head to your local farmers market you are really buying from one of two groups: the farmer directly or the person that bought in bulk from the farmer and is now reselling to you.  Pull the daily report to help you know how to negotiate with both groups.  I now can see what the farmer would have gotten for his produce if he sold wholesale federally or I know what the bulk buyer paid and how much they are marking things up.

While each market has its own report some of them look like a computer blew up.  Columbia SC has the easiest to read version and in general in the south all the prices and products are the same.  So just use this report.

This report is also showing you exactly what the grocery store is paying for items!   Read More→