The Importance of Our Farmers Markets

Farmer’s Markets are really the treasure of our communities. Rain or shine I make a point to consistently attend the market to support not only local business, but local food suppliers and amazing people. Not to mention the food quality is so superb that it’s hard for me to eat out anywhere because my ingredients are second to none. It allows more diversity in my nutrition and to be connected not only to the food seasonly but the farmers themselves. Talk about sustainability!

While most farmers’ markets have the best of intentions, not all provide organic or even local fare. To really know what is in the food you are buying, who better to ask than the farmers themselves? Most farmers love answering questions and are proud of their products. Whether you are new to farmers’ market or are a seasoned pro, here are the best questions to ask on your next visit:

Where is your farm located?

Buying fresh local produce is the whole point of shopping at a

farmer’s market. “Local” is typically anything that is produced

within 100-150 miles.

Did you grow or raise this?

It is not uncommon for some vendors to buy wholesale items

and then resell them as their own. It is probably best to bypass

these vendors. If you notice a fruit or vegetable that looks out

of season, be wary. Most farmers in a region will generally have

the same items available at the same time. Look for “producer-

only” markets, meaning that the farmers at the market grow

the food they are selling on their own farms. You can contact

your market director or check their web site to find out if your

market is producer-only.

What growing practices do you use?

Some vendors may be USDA organic certified, but obtaining

this certification can be pricey with loads of paperwork.

Even if your farmer isn’t certified organic, they may

still adhere to sustainable practices. And farmers don’t always

have to go through the organic certification process

if they gross under $5,000 per year. Without a USDA organic

seal, you will have to talk to your farmer to find out.

If they are not organic, ask how they handle pests and

diseases so you can avoid anything grown with pesticides.

What do your animals eat and where do they live?

Herbivores like cows, goats, and sheep should be mostly

pasture-raised, while it is OK to supplement chickens and

pigs with some grain. If some animals are fed grain, ask

if it’s organic or soy-free. Also, find out if the animals live

outside and if they are rotationally grazed. It is optimal for

herbivores and chickens to be moved often and not pastured

on the same patch of grass each day.

What is this item?

While perusing your local farmers’ market, chances are

you will see an unfamiliar item or two. The farmer should

be able to tell you what each item is, including the variety.

After all, the farmers are the experts!

When was this picked?

If it was picked more than a day ago, you may want to

pass. Some farmers may have fruits and vegetables picked

just that morning. The longer it stays off the vine, the

more nutrients it loses.

How should I store and prepare this?

Farmers usually have great tips on how to store food.

Ask how long different items should last so you can prioritize

eating them. They also may have great advice on

how to ripen fruit, thaw meat, or how to wrap produce in

the fridge. Farmers usually have an idea of how to prepare

different items as well, especially if they are eating

what they grow. Be sure to ask how to use the greens

attached to root veggies like the tops of carrots, beets,

and turnips. Also, ask about the different cuts of meats

and how to best cook them.

How many different types of produce do you grow?

A farm with a large variety is usually a good indicator

that their farm is truly sustainable. Generally, a farm with

several crops is more likely to use crop rotation, which

helps to reduce soil erosion, increases biodiversity, and

improves crop yield.

Can I visit the farm?

Farmers who are proud of their practices have nothing

to hide. No amount of questions can tell you what seeing

a farm first-hand can. Does it look clean? Are the

animals and workers happy? Some farms are friendlier

than others and may have specific visiting hours or offer

a couple of open houses each year. It can be a rewarding

experience to see exactly where and how your food

is grown. If they hesitate or decline your visit, you may

want to find a new vendor that better aligns with you.