Farmers markets are the perfect place to offload produce that is:

• Too perishable to ship very far

• Too "ugly" to sell to a distributor or store

• Brand new to the market and/or limited run (experiments/new hybrid products etc.)

That last one especially is where farmers markets shine. Producers can connect directly with customers and get immediate feedback. Customers tend to be more interested/knowledgeable in the food/ag scene. They're a great opportunity for producers to do some hands-on "market research" and test new stuff. The local stores that are "with it" and actually care about such things will also send their reps there to connect directly with producers and scout out the next new hotness in produce.