5 Questions to Ask at Your Local Farmer’s Market

Introduction: A Weekend Trip to the Farmer’s Market

There’s no better way to start the weekend than a trip to the local farmers’ market.

People find walking amongst rows of vibrant produce and artisanal cheeses therapeutic. By better connecting with your food, you’re better able to appreciate the work that goes into it. And, that knowledge just makes that freshly-jarred honey taste all the sweeter. Furthermore, by going local, you’re taking a step towards a better body and a better planet.

That’s not always the case, however. While supporting your local farmers can be beneficial to the environment, it can sometimes be the opposite. Just because it’s a farmer’s market doesn’t mean that what you’re buying is pesticide-free, healthy, or local. To ensure that you leave the farmers’ market with what you bargained for, ask the following questions:

DO YOU USE PESTICIDES?

Just because it’s local, doesn’t mean it’s organic. Some farmers might operate organically and be unable to afford certifications. Others, however, may be using dangerous chemicals to protect their crops. If a vegetable or fruit is listed as one of the Dirty Dozen, make sure it’s organically-produced.

WHAT DO YOU FEED YOUR LIVESTOCK?

While grass-fed and local tend to go together, that’s not always the case. Your locally-farmed chickens and cows might be eating grain. And, even if they’re fed an all-grass diet, your meat might be exposed to high concentrations of antibiotics in their water. When it comes to buying protein at the farmers’ market, organic eggs are typically the safest bet.

WHERE WAS THIS FOOD PRODUCED?

If you’re seeing seafood in Kansas, it’s either not locally-produced, or not actually from the sea. If a product seems out of place, you should double-check its source with the vendor.

WHO INSPECTS YOUR KITCHEN?

While it’s unlikely your local vendors want anyone to get sick, you still have to wonder about the tidiness of their facilities. To buy wisely, you need to know that all staff is trained to properly handle food. Ensure that the products you buy are inspected regularly. Since laws about inspections vary by region, always ask before you stock up on strawberry jam and honey butter.

CAN I PICK BERRIES OR APPLES AT YOUR FARM?

While shopping seasonally can be better for the wallet, not everything is cheaper at the farmer’s market. Picking your own produce can help save you time and money. After all, farmers don’t have to pay YOU to find the freshest apple on the tree.

CONCLUSION

Typically, vendors at the farmer’s market are more than happy to chat about their products. That sense of community helps make farmer’s markets feel like home. So, if you have time this weekend, take a moment to get to know your farmer. Sample, stroll and take the time to appreciate all that your community offers.

Just remember: an organic cookie is still a cookie!