Is ‘pesticide free’ produce from farmer’s markets as safe as ‘organic’?
Often a farmer marketing their produce as “pesticide free” is in the 3-year transition period required before they can be certified organic. During this period they are growing their food organically, but they can’t call their fruits and vegetables organic. Other farmers using the “pesticide free” label are using chemical fertilizers, but no pesticides. These fruits and vegetables are safer than those conventionally produced, but production may still be harming the environment. Small farmers will often come to markets themselves to sell their produce, so they can answer your questions directly about how their fruits and vegetables are grown.
