Want Fresh Produce? Try a Farmer's Market

In recent years the term "organic" has grown in use and relevance in a wide spectrum of food and plant products. The idea that food should be grown naturally and without chemical additives grows in appeal to more and more people as consumers around the country are exposed to a variety of food recalls, contamination issues, and various illness outbreaks. Not every news story about contaminated food comes from harsh unnatural additives, however, these events have opened eyes around the country to the current trend, and many more people are opting for a different approach to their food. An approach that avoids exposing oneself to the common chemicals and elements found in common pesticides and fertilizers.

While the term organic can actually cover a wide range of definitions, the most prominent and widely-known definition is a description of something, animal or otherwise, which is cultivated with fertilizers and pesticides that come from plant or animal products, as opposed to chemically enhanced products. Certified Organic is an actual certification that farmers can use only after a full inspection and after paying a variety of fees. It is often very expensive to become a certified organic farmer and the costs of the program and certification are often beyond the scope of a small family farmer. Organic foods sold at stores like Whole Foods or other locally owned co-ops are often more expensive than cheaper large scale supermarkets. Part of this is cost difference comes from the costs accrued by being certified organic. For many people, they'd prefer the large supermarket prices, with the quality and safety of the organic foods. For many smaller farms and local growers, organic growing methods aren't unusual or unordinary. Luckily, small farms still sell their produce and often, they sell it straight to their customers in a centuries old forum known as the open-air market. The next time you plan a trip to the grocery, instead find out where your local farmer's market is and see what sort of options are available to you in your own neighborhood.

A beautiful array of fresh fruits and vegetables are on display every day at the Minneapolis Farmer's Market.

Credit: mplsfarmersmarket.com

Copyright: mplsfarmersmarket.com