The Battle Rages, Organic of Local Produce

Chef Frank Terranova M.C.F.E.

The Battle Rages Organic or Local Produce
This is about as controversial as Rhode Island politics. We eat them every day. The produce sections in markets are packed with a large array of fruits and veggies some with signs reading “local” and “organic” and some without. The main question is weather to buy organic, conventional or local produce is a decision shoppers struggle with daily.
The amount of produced advertised as organic or local is on the rise and it seems as if everything from prunes to potatoes has an organic counterpart.
Under today’s standards organic certification is a time-consuming and costly process for many small farmers, but only certified farmers can label their products organic. Many shoppers are left standing in aisles, wondering what’s best for themselves their families and the environment. But there are key differences between local, and organic and conventional produce that may make your purchases easier.
The term local remains very loosely defined. It is believed that food that comes from within a 100 mile radius from one’s home is local. Whole Foods, a national natural and organic grocery chain considers products “local” only if they have traveled fewer than seven hours by truck. I drive very fast so I could cover a lot of road in seven hours See what I mean.
The term organic, on the other hand has been strictly defined by the United States Department of Agriculture [USDA} as produce that has been grown without using synthetic pesticides or fertilizers.
Although both local and organic movements are increasing, the USDA has only set standards for organic produce only.
Conventional grown produce uses pesticides and chemical fertilizers.
The alternatives to conventional produce are out there. Locally grown foods reduce transportation costs both economically and environmentally, as well as supporting local farmers. And organic foods although they may cost more, use farming practices that support a healthy earth. Just look beyond your labels, local farm produce organic is still the best way to go both for taste, and for safe food for your family

As Always “That’s Cooking with Class”