Organic/Conventional

The last installment of the questions to ask at farmer markets to ensure you walk away with the product that you really want.

This week we’re going to dive into the organic/natural conversation. I want to be very upfront that this blog is not a discussion on whether it’s right or wrong to buy natural and organic versus conventional. This is simply to ensure you get what you’re looking for.

At the market, I had several people ask me if we were organic. When I said no, some simply turned and left. Some asked me why. Others said great. The process of becoming certified organic is lengthy and expensive. Once you receive that certification, there are LOTS of rules and regulations that you must follow. Some even apply to your neighboring land owners and what they can and can’t do.

With that said, if you are looking for organic food, if they say no. Don’t turn and walk. Ask some more questions. I don’t want someone regulating what I can and cannot do for my healthy or sick animals. I’m going to do what is right and I don’t need somebody telling me I can’t do that. Just because somebody hasn’t gone through the process of certification, doesn’t mean their product isn’t the exact same as the certified organic.

Some questions to ask of the farmers if looking for organic anything…

1. Are you certified organic?
2. How do you keep the bugs and insects and animals out of your products? (Just because they are organic doesn’t mean they don’t use chemicals on their plants!)
3. Why haven’t you gone through the process of being organic?
4. Do you do a no-till garden?
5. Where do you get your seeds from?
6. How do you store your product once it is picked?
7. Do you use anything to wash the products?

We didn’t have produce, but I could and would be glad to answer all those questions about our beef. I cannot stress enough how there is false marketing out there to draw you in. If you want to buy organic, good for you, not for me, but just make sure you are getting what you want. Not falling for false marketing meant to steal your hard earned money.

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