Market Farming

["Wiediger, Alison" <awiediger AT HART.k12.ky.us>]

The problem that I see with American Homesteads Foods certification is that
it certifies, yes, we are a family farm and we grew this food.  But, as far
as I could tell, it doesn't assure the consumer that the foods are grown
without agricultural chemicals.  That means any conventional grower at our
market could so certify, and, believe me, most of them LOVE their chemicals.
The organic way of growing is what many, although not yet all, consumers are
concerned with - especially when it comes to produce.  Wholesome Foods and
Certified Naturally Grown programs are essentially organic growing programs
- just without the 'O' word. We also raise grass finished beef, and to us
and our customers, the grass finished is more important than "organic".  To
many of our farmers' market produce customers, the fact that we are local
and fresh is more important than that we are organic.  But a large segment
of our customer base cares that we are organic and don't use any synthetic
chemicals in the production of their food.  Whatever designation we use has
to carry that set of ideals - without "saying" organic, and then we have to
educate the consumer.....again.

Alison Wiediger, Au Naturel Farm


> ----------
> From:         RDH[SMTP:rdhopkins AT americanpasturage.com]
> Reply To:     Market Farming
> Sent:         Wednesday, October 16, 2002 10:12 AM
> To:   Market Farming
> Subject:      [market-farming] RE: new terminology
> 
> Joan,
> 
> I would say we have been a bit more successful, I only saw two subscribers
> on the Wholesome Food site, both in the UK
> 
> Rick H.
> 
>