Elizabeth Seward
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In his post yesterday, Brian Merchant talks about the importance of visiting an organic farm for organic food education.
My first 'official' organic farm visit was in Mexico recently. It was to the charming Rancho la Verdad (pictured). Visiting Rancho la Verdad was so worthwhile. I'd encourage any of you to take the time out of your next free day to visit an organic farm. There's something magical about getting to know farmers who invest the extra elbow grease in their farms to make their products tasty and healthy—but without all of the chemicals. If you've ever had questions about organic farming, visiting an organic farm yourself is the perfect way to address all of your curiosities and support and organic farmer simultaneously (provided your purchase some of his or her goods to take with you, which I'd recommend you do).
Make the Most of an Organic Farm Visit with These Tips:
- Organic food still needs to be washed.
You're probably thinking, "Duhhh", but I watched a guy take a bite out of a pepper while on the farm without so much as thinking to wash it. He didn't get sick (yet) to my knowledge, but it's important for all of us green folk to remember that while the chemicals may not be present, we never know what else might have been floating around near the produce and the best bet is to wash it and avoid sickness and all of the not-so-green treatments that accompany it. - Be weary of touching animals if abroad.
Customs officials like to know when you've been touching animals at farms while abroad. Having to go through questioning once you get back into the states is not only exhausting, but could lead to some eco-unfriendly energy-sucking--like having your friend's car leak gas outside the arrivals entrance at the airport while he or she wonders what's taking you so long. - Don't be shy about asking questions.
Farms are a labor of love and farmers tend to be passionate people who don't mind answering questions for you. Ask away! As helpful as Google is, nothing quite compares to getting straight answers about organic farming from an organic farmer. The more informed you are about organic farming, the more efficiently you can spread the word to others upon returning from your trip. - Bring a group with you.
Carpooling is good. We know that much. But carpooling usually implies that you and a few other people are going the same direction anyway. This may not be the case when working out a visit to an organic farm. There's a good chance your friends and family may not be going that direction on that day...that is, until you invite them to. If you're going to use the gas and that vehicle to visit an organic farm, enhance the experience by inviting others to join you. Sure, you can argue that more people in a car unnecessarily equals more gas used and while that is true, the lessons learned from visiting an organic farm can last a lifetime—especially if they're shared with others. You decide which is more green. - Check the weather.
What's green about driving out to an organic farm only to find that it's pouring rain, creating mud every which way, and you've only got on flip flops and a sundress and your guide doesn't feel comfortable showing you the farm because of lightning? The answer is...nothing. Make sure you choose a sunny day to visit the farm and if it looks like it's going to rain, reschedule your visit before you make the drive out.
How to Find an Organic Farm to Visit
Want some help finding an organic farm near you? Green Girls Global has a good tip on their site: Email the Soil Association to find out where the nearest participating organic farm is for you.
More on organic food:
Eat Only Organic For A Week With These 5 Tips
Organic Food: Healthier for You and the Planet
Green Brain: Is Organic Always The Green Choice?
Organic Gardening Tips
Green Eyes On: Obesity and Organics
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