It won’t be a surprise to anyone to say that I am passionate about farm-to-table products/education and long-term sustainability in agriculture (among many other things).  I believe in moderation and balance in all things. I wholeheartedly endorse shopping locally, educating consumers and knowing the basics of growing your own food naturally.

But what does farm-to-table really mean? What is ‘sustainable’ and is it different for everyone? What about ‘shopping seasonally’? For instance, I have a markedly different understanding of the word ‘natural’ than the government. Another BDN blogger, Ryan Parker, just wrote a lengthy post about the difference between ‘organic’ and ‘certified organic’. He would know best – he’s a farmer (read it here). But it really got me thinking more about what I don’t know (but should) about food basics.

As a patron and someone who presumably eats regularly – you should know these what these terms mean too.

Agrifads (my new term) have become as popular and annoying as diet fads. Last year it was kale (already around for 2000 years); in 2013 it was quinoa. This year it will be something else. I vote for dark chocolate bars infused with microgreens. Hey – why not?

If you had mentioned ‘certified organic’ or ‘farm-to-table’ to a farmer a hundred years ago, they would have looked at you as if you had lost all your marbles. Of course their products were ‘farm-to-table’ – what other purpose was there? (Insert obviously annoyed eyebrow raise.)

As a society, we tend to get caught up in a wave of hysteria, demand and expectation rapidly – a bandwagon of indignity and rights. We have a right to eat healthy! We have a right to expect certified organic status! We demand the government oversee all these damn farmers claiming they are using ‘age old’, natural and healthy practices!

Except…the government sets guidelines we don’t necessarily understand, or want to take the time to even read. Do we seriously trust the FDA to tell us a food is safe to eat? (Do I dare even mention the whole ‘pink slime’ fiasco? Yea – our kids were eating that in school, because the FDA said it was safe.)

If I want to eat well, naturally and healthfully, I need to be a good consumer. I need to know what I want and why I want it, to take a proactive approach to the items I am ingesting. I wouldn’t take a dangerous medication without asking about potential side effects and dangers, and this is no different. My body is an organic machine, and I can’t expect it to run optimally on products that are not ideal and even dangerous.

The farm-to-table movement, at it’s core, encourages people to connect with the farmers and producers in your community. It encourages shopping local, thereby reducing the distribution chain (greenhouse gases), increasing the freshness, reducing spoilage and providing a healthier, better quality product for you, the consumer. It encourages diversification of agriculture, which in turn results in new technologies and cutting edge ideas to help foster product growth – especially in areas formerly believed to not support a particular type of product. It keeps money local in our community and state, increasing businesses, revenue and tax profits.

Seems like a win-win, right?

So, let’s make a pact together to shop your local farmer’s market, CSAs (community supported agriculture) and produce stands weekly this season. Visit agricultural fairs and show with our kids; visit my fair in September, the Common Ground Fair. (It’s always on or about my birthday every year, and my favorite fair – ergo, it’s mine!) Everything you learn brings you closer to balanced. Every market and fair you attend keep our community balanced.

Tune in over the next few weeks as I speak to the Executive Director of MOFGA, Ted Quaday about the challenges farmers, producers and customers face here in Maine and what consumers should look for in a provider. In addition, we’ll be talking about seasonal local products, St. Patrick’s Day and that most beloved of spring rites – Maine Maple Sunday! And don’t forget the recipes!  😀