Buying Organic
By Bruce Lee Deuley - 11/20/03

Organic food has come into its own. It is now a multi-billion dollar industry that’s growing by 20 to 25 % a year.

Last year the federal government put in place a set of national standards for organic food, paving the way for organic processors and growers to market their goods.

However, if you are reading this as you consume your favorite tofu laced dish or pesticide free apple, it is not time to sigh with satisfaction just yet. For every calorie of food we consume in the United States, on average, 10 calories of fossil-fuel energy are used for its production, processing, and transport according to studies by David Pimentel of Cornell University. While it is true organic growing methods save energy in the production department, the cost of moving the finished product around the country is still “energy expensive”.

The answer to this problem is very simple, buy locally!

If you are not able or do not want to produce your own organic produce and meat then seek out and utilize local growers. In towns, all around the hill country are farmer's markets and individuals who set up their own fruit and vegetable stands. While not all of them are organic growers, many of them use the least amount of pesticide and fertilizer necessary just to keep down their cost of production. I always mention to them that I prefer organically grown produce and many times, it sparks their interest in organic production.

Many people in our area who are raising free-range chickens and grass-fed beef. If you seek out and buy directly from these farmers and ranchers. You are encouraging local production as well as helping to maintain their market and keep them willing to take the extra effort required to do business on a more personal, direct basis. Unless you buy whole animals and process them yourself, it will be necessary to have the animal butchered at a recognized slaughterhouse such as Dutchman’s Market in Fredericksburg. They will cut and package it to your specifications. If you cannot use the whole animal, you can have it packaged in a way that allows several families to share the meat.

Buying direct does have its limitations. Tomatoes will be hard to find here in February. However, with a little planning ahead there can always be some tucked away in your freezer or canned and put up in your pantry. Not many generations back people had no choice but to buy and consume what was in season at the time and they were probably healthier for it.

The next time you are whizzing down one of the back roads in the hill country and notice a small produce stand, take a minute to stop and shop. You will be helping to support the local economy and just might get hold of a tomato that taste like real tomatoes used to.

Good gardening!