What I eat and where my food comes from are very important to me, and I know these are things many of you value as well. As much as I enjoy growing my own garden, both outdoors and indoors, I’m not that good at keeping everything alive and thriving. So when seasonal produce is plentiful, I like to rely on my favorite farmers markets to keep me stocked up. Finding the right farmer’s stable is made much simpler with a list of critical questions to ask your farmer’s market.
Developing relationships with the people who grow your food takes time, but it’s worth it. When you start exploring farmers’ markets and local foods, there are some “first date” questions you can ask to find out if the farmer in question is right for you and values the same things you do.
So let’s talk today about the important questions to ask your farmer’s market. Farmers and food producers are an incredible resource because they are the ones who grow the food! I’ve never met a farmer who didn’t take pride in their work – and farmers are usually happy to chat with you and answer your questions, even during busy market hours.
The key to asking questions is to be polite about it. Part of my faith is to flirt with farmers. Now, in this context, I don’t mean flirting with them into your bed (even if it’s an organic, non-toxic bed), but it’s really good practice to be respectful, polite, and courteous when asking questions about from where your food comes from You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar, so be sweet.
Questions to ask your farmer at the market
1. What sprays/herbicides/herbicides do you use?
Some farmers markets have certain rules and restrictions regarding the types of agricultural practices they expect from their vendors. But not everyone does. Ask what kinds of synthetic sprays, pesticides and herbicides farmers use to grow and cultivate their produce.
ONE meta-analysis of 343 studies concluded that organic produce is higher in antioxidants, lower in pesticide residues and lower in heavy metals than conventional produce. Reducing our exposure by buying pesticide-free fruits and vegetables is a fundamental place to start.
2. What kind of pest control measures do you use? Do you spray year round or early in the season or only as needed?
Some farmers may not use pesticides on a regular basis, but only on special occasions when there is an infestation or perhaps at the beginning of the growing season. Ask about this, as well as the farmer’s approach to dealing with pests. Pest control is part of farming no matter what – but the methods of dealing with it differ.
Do they select certain plant varieties that are more resistant to pests? Do they create an environment that attracts beneficial insects that eat the pests? And do they rotate crops and have other animals on the farm dealing with pests? (What’s a pest to us is someone else’s dinner!)
3. What kind of soil do you use?
Fruits and vegetables get their nutrients from the soil – and that means a fruit or vegetable is only as nutritious as the soil in which it was grown.
Great, fertile soil is its own ecosystem, with microorganisms and organisms working together to break down and create nutrient-rich matter. The soil also works in the larger ecosystem of the farm, including the animals that fertilize or graze, the birds in the area, the water used, the sunshine and more. A good farmer will understand this symbiotic environment and work to create nutritious soil.
Pesticides, monoculture and plowing affect soil quality. Research shows that the vitamin and mineral content of our products has been reduced during the last decades. An apple your grandmother ate as a child was actually more nutritious than most apples available today.
Another major soil issue is soil erosion due to our chemical farming practices. Fertile topsoil takes time to develop, but most crops are not given that chance. Scientists predict that if land degradation continues at its current rate, we will only have 60 years of agriculture.
Scary? Yes. But thankfully, there are farmers who prioritize the integrity of their soil and care to create an agricultural environment that will support future generations.
4. Do you have any certifications?
Ask your farmer if they have certifications such as certified organic or any animal welfare certifications if the farm raises animals. These certifications will vary from country to country.
Now, I usually say that labels are for cans and certifications are not the whole story of a farm. But it is good to know if your farmer has followed relevant certifications.
It is certainly possible for a farm to practice organic and biodynamic farming techniques, but not be able to afford the expensive certification process. That’s why it’s just as important to ask about how they grow their food.
5. What variety of crops do you grow?
Ask your farmer about the types of produce he grows throughout the year and their crop rotation methods. This gives you an indication of whether they are trying to support soil fertility, as different plants get certain nutrients from the soil. Crop rotation allows the soil to rest and regenerate.
Also, asking about what crops they grow tells you what to expect and whether that farmer grows the types of produce you like. There is an abundance of fruits and vegetables in the world, and perhaps this farmer is focusing on foods that are not your favorite.
6. Do you use GMO seeds?
Just as the soil is important, so are the types of seeds that are planted in that soil. You know I’m not an advocate of genetically modified foods – you can learn why and how to discuss them if you’re interested.
7. For animal products: How are the animals housed and treated? What do they feed on? How much fresh air and exercise do they get?
If you eat and buy animal products, it’s important to ask your farmer at the market how the animals are raised.
Organic, grass-fed and pastured animals are more humane and nutritionally speaking, they actually produce a more nutritious product. Grass fed beef contains higher amounts of anti-inflammatory omega-3santioxidants and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which helps burn fat and protects against carcinogens, plaque and diabetes. If you consume dairy products, organic milk and organic cheese they have more CLA and omega-3 than conventional ones.
Ask your farmer how he raises and treats his animals. For a complete list of questions to ask for each specific animal, check out this great resource.
8. Can I come and visit your farm?
Most farmers who are proud of what they do and have nothing to hide will be happy to welcome visitors to their farms for visits and tours. But don’t turn up unannounced whenever you want – ask for a scheduled visit so you know the farmer has time to show you around at his convenience.
Remember that farming is hard work, so there may be a certain time of day that is best, so work around the farmer’s schedule.
9. What are your favorite ways to prepare X?
Don’t forget that farmers are a gold mine of ideas on the culinary side of things. If they’re selling a fruit or vegetable you’re not familiar with, ask how to best prepare and use it. For vegetables you know and love, they may give you new ideas and inspiration for cooking and preparation.
They can also offer great advice on storage, preservation and fermentation, so tap into their culinary expertise.
10. Do you have a CSA program?
Community Supported Agriculture – CSA for short – is a wonderful way to support farmers and reap the benefits of the produce they grow. Basically, you buy a share up front and then once the product is ready, you get a weekly box for a certain number of weeks. This exposes you to seasonal fruits and vegetables and can introduce you to things you never thought of buying before.
Since you don’t necessarily know what will be in your box each week, it’s a great surprise and allows you to experiment with ‘cooking on the fly’. But if you’re freaked out by Iron Chef-style ingredient surprise cooking, this might not be the best option for you.
More things to consider about joining a CSA here.
Buying from local farmers helps support the local economy, fuels your optimal health, and improves the environment by reducing the distance food travels from farm to plate. Talk to your local farmers at farmers markets and be curious and open-minded – I think you’ll be surprised at how much valuable knowledge you’ll learn.
Photo: Catherine Farquharson for The UnDiet Cookbook
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