"What is happening here reflects a national anti-intellectual trend that will not prepare our children for the future," Jia said.

The National Rifle Association, various anti-abortion outfits and a lobby group for wind power, among others, set up stalls and handed out goodies to passers-by.

Local food thus appeals in different ways to environmentalists, national farm lobbies and anti-corporate activists, as well as consumers who want to know more about where their food comes from.