Are grocery store organics worth the money?

Are grocery store organics worth the money? This is a great question! It depends on what you want your dollar to support. Produce labeled organic does not mean that it is local. Grocery store organics sometimes referred to as “Big Organic” support large producers from all around the United States and different countries. Most grocery store organics travel a long way to reach your plate. For example, organic strawberries in Aldi’s come from Turkey! Instead of grocery store organics, another option is to buy local produce, whether it be from a roadside farm stand, farmers’ market, or CSA. Sometimes you can find local products in grocery stores when they are in season such as sweet corn, apples, and squash. If you want to buy local milk, look for the milk code 36, which means it is processed in New York State and sourced from nearby dairy farms. Local products do not always mean that they are certified organic, but you will be able to ask the farmer questions about production practices, and may be able to tour their farm. Grocery store organics can be worth your money if you are seeking certified organics in a convenient location, but if you are looking to support your community’s farmers, keep your dollars local. By Kaitlyn Lawrence, Local Foods Educator, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Jefferson County September 9, 2017