Are claims to organic or unsprayed produce at farmers markets to be trusted?
— Denise Ballard The local farmers markets (University District, Columbia City, and Wednesday/Sunday events at Pike Place, to name a few) do feature many, many producers who are certified organic and proudly display their certification. The new organic standards at the federal level (not fully in place until next year) require no certification for organic farmers who gross less than $5,000 in annual organic sales and they’ll also be permitted for the first time to sell directly to/through retailers without certification. Certified or not, whenever an exempted grower says it’s “organic,” they must be prepared to back that up with reliable facts if ever challenged by state or federal regulators, which is likely only following a complaint. Denise, your best bet is to get to know the farmers. Shake their hand when you buy something. Thank them. Ask them about their farming concerns and practices! Most are very open and honest. Are there any simple methods to reduce levels of toxicity in no
