FAQ: Farm Side

How many of your farmers are organic farmers?
"Organic" by itself is a misnomer. Farmers are either certified organic or by definition—not. It feels like a gray zone when you have a farmer who is not certified organic but tells you (or us) that they are growing using organic methods. Sometimes these growers are popularly referred to as "sustainable growers" denoting that they are not using "conventional' methods but those in the organic style. They may be in the process of becoming certified (it takes 5 years!) or have decided they will never seek certification but grow using those principles & practices. The ONLY farmers who can legally use the term as a claim are certified organic and will often have the USDA seal of organic certification displayed proudly (which they should--that is a LOT of paperwork, time, and money!). There are only 37 certified organic farmers in the state of TN. So to answer the question...NFM has one certified organic farmer in their 2011 Season lineup--Delvin Farms from College Grove, TN. Two certified organic farmers are on the NFM Commision which precludes them from being able to sell at here. We have several verified sustainably-growing farmers such as Hill & Hollow Farms, Walnut Hills Farm, Triple L Ranch (both TN certified Natural Beef by the TN Department of Agriculture), Emerald Glen Farms is practicing regenerative farming which some consider a new gold standard for farming practices. Some of our farm-side retailers purchase from certified organic and/or sustainably growing farms. In all cases...we suggest going straight to the source. Ask them. Talk to Them. They grow it. They Make It. They Bring It. You'll know it--the local difference!

Why are people selling pineapples, avocados, & bananas at NFM?
Growing Local isn't simply about eating local foods--it's about supporting local businesses. Sometimes local foods aren't available (out of season, or perhaps it can't even be grown in the TN climate). The roots of NFM are in being an urban market/grocery store & serve the needs of the downtown community. NFM merchants want to provide you with a one-stop shopping source for what you need to make your meals as much as possible. Also, when you purchase that pineapple, you can feel good knowing you are supporting a locally-owned small business versus a big-box conglomerate. There are typically never more than 10 merchants who have been granted approval to sell these off-season and/or non-local foods available for your shopping (& non-chain store buying convenience). During growing season, 70% or more of what they sell will come from local farms (& in some cases, their own!) with a large amount of the remainder coming from regional sources such as Alabama or Georgia peaches before Tennessee ones come in, etc. Again, with every NFM purchase you are supporting a locally-owned & operated business-many whose families have been coming to Market & serving our community for generations regardless of what you buy.

What products/people are considered "local"?
At NFM, we consider it a local product or business if it is made/produced/residing within 150 miles from NFM or in the state of Tennessee. Our next "tier" is regional--within approx. 300 miles of NFM--Northern Kentucky, Alabama, & Georgia are our most common regional providers. Beyond is anything outside that 300 mile radius.

Why can't I get local green beans in December for my green bean casserole? A local watermelon for my end of school backyard party?
What's available is ruled by weather & climate. Everything has it's season to grow & be harvested. There is absolutely no exactness to seasonality. A cold snap might push strawberries that usually come in mid-April to May--or even kill most of the crops making it difficult to find local strawberries that year. Seasonality charts are guides--and very helpful, however the best way to know what's coming when is to talk to your farmer & retailers about how things are going & growing in the fields. Note: In Tennessee, products available year-round include honey, herbs, mushrooms, meat, dairy, baked goods, preserves, & crafts so you can grow local even outside "peak season" June-October!

How do I know where it comes from?
In our retailers-only section you will find merchants utilize a signage system that identifies individual product as either local (green signs), regional (orange signs), or beyond (blue signs). See the information regarding local designation below. For farmers, artisans, & merchants who do not utilize the sign program it's best to talk with them directly. If at any time you have a question, don't hesitate to ask a merchant.

Do any of your farmers offer CSA's (Community Supported Agriculture)?
Yes. In 2011 Delvin Farms (certified organic produce), Hill & Hollow Farm (sustainably grown produce), and Walnut Hills Farm (meat CSA) are offering CSA opportunities.

Are there other farmer markets in the Nashville area?
Yes, and we encourage you to visit them as well. NFM holds three weekly satellite markets June-October; Vanderbilt Market, Centennial Market, & One Hundred Oaks Market. NFM is always looking for opportunities to partner with other community farmers markets. Many of our merchants also sell at other markets. Other area markets include East Nashville Market & Franklin Farmers Market.