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It’s not uncommon when we begin to make a change in the way we do things – whether it’s eat better food, taking care of the environment, or becoming more socially responsible – that we come to a crossroads. We assess every decision that we make, weighing the pros & cons, and often ending up paralyzed with indecision. You know what I’m talking about, if you are actually reading this, chances are you too have spent many an hour staring blankly at all the labels, nutrition facts, ingredients, with still no clarity on the best choice.

A current question that often comes up is what is more important, buying local or buying organic? This is a topic that is near and dear to my heart, and the answer for me is very clear. I am an avid supporter of farm-to-table, and purchase as much produce as possible from local farmers markets, often spending a precious day off in search of the freshest seasonal and most community supporting goods. I want food that is as local, clean, and pure – and purchase organic ingredients whenever possible.

The problem is that the local farmers often not selling “organic” produce. The truth is that the USDA Organic certification is very expensive and it is difficult for small farms to afford it. Many small farms these days are not “spraying” and will also tell you if their crops are non-GMO. Ask them, they will tell you. Get to know the farmers that you buy from, you will build trust, loyalty and appreciation for their work! Here is a video to provide a good point of view on this topic.

From the video, “organic certification or a piece of paper will never ensure that you’re getting good food. You have to know your farmer.” Which is why they believe in the motto, “Local First, Certification Second.”

But my favorite part of the video is what farmer Jay Martin replies about his certifications: “Face Certification: direct contact between the farmer and consumer creates an environment based on trust and faith.”

So the answer to Local vs. Organic isn’t quite as simple as we’d like it to be. Walking into a grocery store and making the decision between two products is different…because we don’t have that “Face Certification”. Just as we can’t walk into a farmers market and choose produce from any stall without getting to know the people at that booth, learning about them, and about their food. (Not all produce at a farmers market is local.) You have to find the right vendor, and you may just find out that they practice very organic methods…they just aren’t certified on paper.

We have to get to know our farmers. Meet them. Ask questions. Learn something new. And suddenly, the decision-making becomes easy.

People are always asking where I shop and especially where I get my amazing avocados. Pinecrest Gardens on Sundays boasts some awesome local produce (even better in a few months) and LNB Groves is a Naked Bite staple! Thanks Adina and Walt for your INCREDIBLE contributions… I go through withdrawals without your avocados.

In South Florida, also check out Teena’s Pride CSA and a very complete listing of local CSAs all across the region on Local Food South Florida. Anywhere else across the USA, find your local listings on Local Harvest.

I would love to hear your comments below – how do you buy your food, and make your decisions?