No Spraying/Pesticide-Free: Some farmers may avoid the use of pesticides, herbicides and fungicides even if they continue to use conventional inputs such as synthetic fertilizer. “No Spraying” or “Pesticide-Free” indicates that while the farm may not be organic, there are on toxic sprays applied to the produce.
Organically Grown/Certified Organic: All products sold as “organic” must be certified. Certification includes annual submission of an organic system plan and inspection of farm fields and processing facilities to verify that organic practices and record keeping are e being followed.
Sustainable Agriculture: Agriculture that is socially just, humane, economically viable, and environmentally sound.
Vine-Ripened/Tree-Ripened: These terms are applied to fruits/vegetables that have been allowed to ripen on the vine or tree. Many fruits and vegetables are shipped long distances and are picked while still unripe and firm and then sometimes treated with ethylene gas to “ripen” and soften them.
Farmstead Cheese: Farmstead cheeses are made by the same people who farm the animals that produce the milk. In other words, a cheese that is “from the farm”.
Heirloom: Heirloom crop varieties, also called farmers’ varieties or traditional varieties, have been developed by farmers through years of cultivation, selection, and seed saving and passed down thorough generations.
Farmers: To be classified as a farmer in a farmers market all of the products must be grown within 2 hours driving time of the market and sold directly by the producer or his or her employee or family member.
Vendors: Prepared foods or art made by regional artisans are allowed at the market on a limited basis. One commercial seller is allowed at the market to add variety and complete the shopping experience. This seller is required to identify their booth as a commercial booth.
Free-Range: Free range (or free roaming) implies that a meat or poultry product comes from an animal that was raised out of confinement or was free to roam.
Grass-Fed: The diet of grass-fed animals consists of freshly grazed pasture during the gowning season and stored greases (hay or grass silage) during the winter months or drought conditions. Grass feed is used with cattle, sheep, goats and bison.
© 2010 State Street Farmers Market, funded through a grant offered by the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program in agreement with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture.
