Ask Dr. Steph

Your environmental medicine questions answered by our

EcoMom Expert, Dr. Stephenie Riley.

Q. At my local farmer’s market only some of the vendors label their produce as “organic”, do I need to worry? Isn’t everything at a farmers market organic anyway?

A. No, not everything is certified “Organic” at a farmer’s market. You can be certain if a farmer has gone through the time and expense of getting their product approved for sale as organic, it will be labeled as such. However, I do view farmer’s markets somewhat differently than your conventional grocery store.

In terms of sustainability, local farmers’ markets are the way to go. The average meal travels roughly 1500 miles to your table, this is a great expense in terms of carbon footprint. Local vendors usually come from within less than a 100 mile radius, significantly reducing this impact.

The question of “organic” also plays a part in sustainability. Produce grown organically reduces the use of synthetic chemicals in food production, most of which are derived from petroleum. However as a mom much of my choice to purchase organically has to do with reducing exposure of my children to these chemicals, many of which are toxic to the nervous system. So what about the toxicity of non-organic produce at a local farmer’s market?

I encourage people to talk with the farmers, ask them about their practices. Most small farmers can’t afford the expense of the synthetic chemicals and fertilizers, choosing more sustainable practices sheerly based upon cost. Additionally, most small farmers also live on their land and their families are intimately involved in the daily activities on the farm. As a result, they choose more sustainable farming practices simply for the health of their own family.

Personally, I will choose to buy organically at a farmer’s market when the choice is available. I like to support the farmers who have had made the commitment. On the other hand, I do opt to buy the non-organic produce from my local farmer’s market over the conventional market. I feel the health benefits of locally grown food, as well as the farming practices of smaller farms, well out weigh the conventional options.

Q. My friend is a member of a CSA, why would I choose this type of program if I have a local farmer’s market?

A. Great question, this is one of my favorites! For those unfamiliar with the term, CSA stands for “Community Supported Agriculture”. These programs actually started in Japan, and the premise is you are committing to a “share” in a farm for the duration of the growing seasons. You reap the benefits (or disappointments) of the growing season with the farmers. Every program is a little different, some are an exclusive farm, some are a cooperative of farmers. As a general rule, weekly you receive a box of produce that is representative of produce grown on the farm(s). Some programs may include fruits and vegetables together, other farms may break them out as individual options. Some farms offer eggs, meats and flowers as a few examples.

My husband and I joined our first CSA in Seattle in 1999 and it was a profound experience. Our first season we shared our box with a set of neighbors, just having no idea what to expect. This CSA included weekly fruits and vegetables. We could not believe the flavor and quality of the produce we received each week. I had never, or certainly not in a long time, tasted fruits and vegetables this flavorful or vibrant, it was amazing.
We also received a weekly letter describing different aspects of life on the farm. This ranged from crops they lost to a frost, local wildlife breaking in for a small feast, and simply information on upcoming harvest items. The letters also include recipes and ideas for the more unusual items in the box. We had a run of fennel during one of our earlier CSA’s I would have had no idea how to prepare at the time.
The benefits I enjoy with a CSA are:

• committing to and supporting your local farmers through their growing season, regardless of quality of the season
• expanding your family’s horizons by receiving a variety of produce that most of us would not likely purchase at the farmers’ market (I acknowledge, this isn’t for everyone)
• experiencing what is in season, and how long the growing season is for your local produce (this is a great educational opportunity to share with your kids)
• getting the best picks of the produce in the eye’s of the farmers

Lastly, many of the farms have either an annual summer picnic or similar family event. This is an opportunity for you to meet the farmers, experience the farm, and possibly even participate in a harvest. Also a great experience for kids, allowing them to see where their food is grown!

All this said, I still love the experience of visiting our local farmers’ market with my kids. We pick up our CSA box in the morning and check out the bounty, then we head down to the farmers’ market to supplement with the extras we can never get enough of! Find your local CSA options at www.localharvest.org, or inquire with the farmers at your local farmers’ market.