At The Farmers’ Market
One of my favorite things about summer is browsing the tables at the local farmers' markets for local honey, produce, and fresh baked breads. However, since our family has become more aware about the foods we put into our bodies, I've been a little more picky about what I will buy or won't when it comes to how certain produce is grown. So, how do you nicely ask a hard-working farmer if his or her produce is grown naturally without seeming horrid and judgemental?
It's true that many of the farmers at your local market may be growing sustainable, organic produce but own smaller farms and don't have the extra capital to jump through the fiery hoops of an USDA certification for organics. It's also true that many local farmers may not really care much about organics, or even know much about what the term means. And, while food questions aren't exactly as personal as asking someone if they plan to beat their wife tonight, you ARE essentially asking "Are you poisoning me?" - Which can seem a little accusatory to even the most laid-back farmer, and lead to automatic defensiveness and refusal to further speak about his/her practices on the farm.
Then, the question remains...
How Do I Ask Whether This __________ Is Organic?
A few weekends ago, I was perusing one of the local farmers' markets and came across a beautiful spread of produce and other goods. I struck up a conversation with the farmer, and slowly edged toward the big question - "So, how do you grow your produce?" He looked at me, a little confused - but, then a smirk lifted the corners of his mouth. "Seeds, mostly." He replied. I pressed on, struggling to find the right words and finally just spit out the question, embarrassed, "Do you grow it organically?" His response? "Yes and no." - Which is hardly an answer, but for many farmers (and consumers, alike) the logistics of what's organic and what's not can become a little hairy. He went on to explain that while he does use chemical fertilizers, and uses pesticides on certain plants, there are other plants that he does not. "...Also," he said "Did you know that if your farm was under so many acres, you are automatically considered 'organic', regardless of how you grow?"
While the definition of organic does seem to change quite a lot, depending on who you ask - the last remark he made was WAY off the mark. However, when you ask if a farmer grows organic, you DO want to know the following:
- What sort of fertilizer (or brand) do you use?
- How do you grow and harvest your garden? (Some farmers believe that if they pick everything by hand, it's organic)
- How do you control pests in your garden/fields?
In short, you're asking them to tell you about your garden. And, by doing so, you appear only interested in what they do and not judgemental. Like anyone else, farmers generally love to talk about their passions : their farm.
But, what if I don't have time (or patience) to hear their story? What if I just want to know? NOW?
Then ask. "Do you grow your produce using chemical fertilizers or pesticides?" You have a right to know what you're consuming, just be aware of the tone and facial expressions you use.
Eventually, you'll probably know everyone by name if you frequent the markets often, but starting out can be tricky when you have a slew of booths and only an hour to make it around to them all. For me, asking for their business cards (and carrying scrap paper for those who don't have business cards) has worked nicely. Each visit, I'll make it a point to ask a couple of farmers about their practices and ask for a card. On the back of their card, I jot down any notes so next time I already know - Plus, I have their contact information readily available should I want to go to them directly or request something special. Then, I generally try to buy something at their stand. For example, one booth I visited thoroughly sprayed many of their crops, but in the corner the woman offered small cacti and aloe plants (which she didn't need to spray). So, I bought a healthy aloe plant and kept shopping with other booths. I wasn't obligated to buy anything, but I felt odd not to. So, I found something.
