As Farmers’ Markets across the country start to open for the season, many are shining a spotlight on their certified producers. Markets that promote or require certification —like Certified Naturally Grown, Certified Organic, or Demeter—help build trust between customers and local farmers. Many shoppers know that conventional farming can have a negative impact on both health and the environment, so they want to be able to trust that their food is grown with care for the environment, without harmful synthetic chemicals or GMOs. Certifications give customers that assurance.
The ripple effect of certification extends beyond these trustworthy transactions at the market. As demand for certified products grows, it incentivizes more local farmers to seek certification themselves, expanding the sustainable farming movement. This shift toward more ecological farming practices leads to farms that are better equipped to adapt to changing weather patterns, pests, and diseases—ultimately making them more sustainable in the long run.
Farmers’ Markets serve as a hub for restoring the relationship between customers and the folks who grow their food. This connection strengthens the local economy and builds more resilient food systems.
Here are a few Farmers’ Markets championing their certified producers: