When NOT to choose ORGANIC

By: Dr. Rhonda Steinke, ND

 http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/05/13/organic-vs-conventional-h_n_201609.html

This is a great article written by a small farmer discussing how an organic label can sometimes be the wrong choice.  This author explains that you cannot always trust what is listed on a package.  

I have always agreed with this author and am a huge advocate of getting to know your farmer.  If you know your farmer, you know your food.  A good way to get to know your farmer is to buy local and at farmer's markets.  Most frequently you get to talk directly to the farmer, find updates on their crops and the weather!  I find it a treat to talk to Gary, farmer/owner at Hairston Creek Farms where I pick-up a box of fresh vegetables every other week.  It is rewarding and empowering to know your food.  

We are lucky to have such wonderful local farmers here in Central Texas, they are very friendly, open to questions, and most allow visits to their farms.  If you are unfamiliar with farming I have listed a few questions to ask a farmer when interviewing.       

Produce

1. How do you eradicate pests or weeds?

Anything without chemicals is ideal

2. What do you use for fertilizer?

Natural manure or soil enhancement, avoiding chemicals is best

3. What type of seeds do you use?

Listen for words like Certified Organic (in this case the term organic is safe), Heirloom, Non-GMO 

When do you harvest your produce?

Harvesting within a few days to a week of sale is ideal, if over a week and still look fresh there probably is some use of a chemical preservative. 

Eggs/Animal Meat 

1. What do the animals eat?

Bugs and grasses is essential to good fats found in meat.  Non-meat food scrapes are a great way to reuse waist.     

2. What are the living quarters of the animal?

Make sure the animals get sunlight (needed for Vitamin D production) and have adequate space to roam.  Rotating living quarter areas assures plenty of grasses and bugs.

3. What do you use to finish the product?

Grains can be used to finish but make sure no hormones are added and the grains are not genetically modified.

Generally by asking these few questions you have an idea of how the animals are treated, how the farm operates, and the mission of the farmer.