According to one study, ultra-processed food and drinks (UPFD) make up more than 50 percent of total energy intake in developed and high-income countries like the UK, US, and Canada. This same study also shows a high association between total sales and consumption of UPFD and obesity. In many cities, apart from the large corporate supermarkets that sell lots of processed foods, you will also find local farmers’ markets to get fresh and high-quality products. So, it is better to get your products from a market where you can inquire about their origin, a type of soil used for cultivation, and much more from the farmers. That is why this article will talk about the most important questions to ask farmers at the market.
How do you know your farm soil is healthy?
Soil health is an essential factor that determines the overall quality of crops. The soil should be well-catered for and fed with organic matter to produce crops with high nutritional value. While the farmer explains, you should listen for good soil qualities such as dark color, lots of nutrients and organic matter, low weed pressure, good drainage, etc. The farming area and surrounding lands should have a large population of beneficial organisms. Even without the use of artificial fertilizers, the crops should be high-quality.
What kind of seeds do you use?
This question is to ensure that your farmer does not use genetically modified seeds for farming. All the seeds need to be biodynamic or organic. It is vital because GMO seeds will produce crops that do not have enough nutrients. They can also increase the toxin levels in the soil and transfer some of their modified genes to similar plant species, which is not good for the environment.
What kind of pest control measures do you use?
Pest control is an integral part of farming that can not be ignored. However, the type and method of pest control make the difference between good and bad practices. Farmers may use pesticides only in cases of infestation or at the start of the growing season. Other natural methods should be prioritized, such as growing crops that are pest resistant, introducing animals on the farm that feed on pests, crop rotation, etc.
How do you deal with your weeds, insects, and diseases?
The previous question on pest control already touches on this point. Here, you should listen to how the farmer deals with weeds and diseases affecting crops. Good farming practices will be using more natural and organic methods for weed management, such as shallow cultivation, digging and pulling weeds, and planting crops like legumes to prevent weed growth. The same goes for disease control with natural methods such as bio-fumigation and hot water treatment. Also, if they mention their farm is certified organic, no prohibited substances are used for at least three years before harvest.
What variety of crops do you grow?
The more variety of crops on the farm, the better. This fact indicates propper and sustainable farming methods. Also, farmers with more than one type of crop on their farms are more likely to practice crop rotation, which helps to reduce erosion, enhance soil fertility, and increase biodiversity.
What type of fertilizer do you use?
Fertilizers are an integral part of farming but should not be abused. Excess use of fertilizers can be a hazard to the environment, especially those containing lots of nitrogen and phosphorus. Some examples of natural fertilizers are bone meal, compost, manure, hydrolyzed liquid fish, etc.
Do you have any certifications?
Certifications such as “certified organic” indicate that the farmer limits the use of prohibited substances on the land. However, even in their absence, the farmer may still carry out all the best farming practices. That is why it is essential to ask how they grow their crops.
Final word
Purchasing from the farmers’ market ensures that you get fresh produce and supports the local economy. It also allows you to chat with the farmers and know how your food is produced. However, they do not take up lots of their time, especially when they have other customers waiting. Always be polite and thankful for the answers you receive.
