How about changing the prizes for the daily market trade to something worth our while and effort, like, a variety of feasts, 50 energy instead of 10, wisp lanterns, a gem or two. I'm sure many of us will happily be merchants for the day and would willingly trade our crops and stuffs. After all, merchants trade for profits, not at a loss which is what you are offering now, a big loss.
How about it, TL?