Sourced Direct From Farmers
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Even though food companies aren’t required to disclose all ingredients on packaging labels, there are still some workarounds to find out exactly what’s in your food. One of the best ways to maintain control over what you’re eating is buying directly from farmers. You can do this with fresh ingredients by seeking out local farmers markets and produce in your area. As for pantry staples, buy them from brands that have strong relationships with the growers themselves.
Benefits of Sourcing Directly From Farmers
- Food tastes better: When you head straight to the source, food is fresher, so it naturally tastes better, too.
- It supports genetic diversity: Small-scale farmers are more apt to use many types of produce and heirloom seeds that help preserve genetic diversity of various fruits and veggies.
- Food is safer: With all the recalls happening, contamination is always a risk. The fewer people and facilities the ingredients are processed in before it reaches your kitchen, the safe it’ll be.
- It gives helps local businesses: Choosing local food helps put dollars back into the community and boosts the economy along the way.
Top Brands Sourced Directly From Farmers
The bad news is, there are more brands sourcing direct from farmers than we can possibly list here. The good news? These three companies are a great place to start!
Lundberg Farms
Lundberg has been leading the organic farming movement for decades, providing safe and fair working conditions and following strict sustainability standards. The brand signed the “Declaration of Sustainability in the Organic Food Trade,” created by the Sustainable Food Trade Association (SFTA) in 2009, and Lundberg continues to strive for transparency in a variety of areas including energy, water, consumer education, and governance.
Dr. Bronner’s
Dr. Bronner’s (which has been around since 1858!) makes its popular line of soaps using organic, cruelty-free, and healthy ingredients like coconut oil, jojoba oil, and various essential oils. The brand also operates a sustainable supply chain, sourcing fair trade ingredients from local suppliers committed to fair wages, good working conditions, and environmentally sound practices.
Artisana Organics
In 2017, Artisana was the first nut butter brand to be awarded R.A.W. and C.L.E.A.N certifications by the Clean Food Certified Project. Its butters are minimally processed and provide a high bioavailability of nutrients the whole family can enjoy.
Dairy-Free Products Sourced Directly From Farmers
It’s easy to stay dairy-free while keeping to your farm-fresh values.
Endangered Species Fair Trade Dark Chocolate
Chocolate is always a good idea, but this bar goes one step further and opts for fair trade practices that support cocoa farmers in West Africa and sustainable growing practices. Plus, 10 percent of net profits go to charity.
Thrive Market Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Sourced from 100 percent certified organic Koroneiki olives, our EVOO is grown, harvested, and bottled on a single estate in western Crete.
Certified Organic Products Sourced Directly From Farmers
These pantry staples are must-haves and boast organic certifications, too.
Artisana Organics Raw Almond Butter
This rich and creamy butter is made from nothing more than pure organic nuts. It’s also crafted in small batches to ensure freshness.
Lundberg Farms Organic California White Jasmine Rice
Here’s a versatile grain that cooks up with a soft texture and delicious flavor. Pair a helping with curries, make a taco filling, or serve it as a pilaf on the side.
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