Little-Known Fact: Not All Food At The Farmer's Market Is Organic

It depends on the grower. Some farmers are tiny producers who cannot afford the organic certification fees, but still grow according the organic standards. Some have the USDA seal hanging from their booths, signaling that they are a certified grower. Others say they are organic but do not have the USDA seal to prove it.

If you want to check on a specific farm, but don’t want to come across as confrontational, contact the National Organic Program (NOP) for verification, suggests Jody Mason of NewHope360, the industry source for the organic and naturals market.

Photographed by Ingalls Photo