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"Nurturing the land that nurtures us."
Farm Store Buying Policy
Deciding what to sell in the Farm Store is a huge responsibility, one that we do not take lightly. With the Organic Standards and the growth in the organic movement, it is becoming increasingly difficult for consumers to understand the terminology employed, let alone the processes involved in the production of the goods and foods they select. And on our end, the number of products from which to select and stock our shelves grows exponentially, which means our buyers must apply even more due diligence when placing their orders.

While, in an ideal world, it would be healthiest to make all our meals from scratch — using only whole foods to start with — we recognize that in today’s world, convenience and prepared foods are a necessary part of daily life. Therefore, we try to balance what we offer, providing a combination of whole, unprocessed items and ready–to–go foods.

As part of our mission and as part of our commitment to you — because we recognize that you have entrusted us to do so — our buyers at the Farm Store invest a great deal of time and effort in researching the items they buy for the Store. Using a blend of first–hand knowledge, accumulated facts, investigation, and experience, factors they consider when making their decisions include (but are not limited to):

  • biodynamic and/or organic certification
  • where it was grown/produced (locally– and regionally–produced goods are favored)
  • “clean” factor (e.g., free of chemicals, sugar, GMOs)
  • ingredients used
  • if we know the grower/producer and if we know s/he prescribes to biodynamic/organic practices, even if not “officially” certified
  • the grower/produceer, if a company (family–run operation? large corporation?)
  • mission of grower/producer (values in–line with HVF’s?)
  • economic value to the consumer
As you can surmise, these are guidelines only, and many times choices are not clean–cut. For example, our producer buyer, Sean, has to decide if it makes more sense and is in your better interest to offer potatoes that are grown by a neighbor farmer but are not certified organic, or to put out certified–organic spuds from Idaho. Whenever possible, we try to stock both options so that you can make the choice that you are most comfortable with.

If there is an item that you would like but that we do not currently have on our shelves, you can try ordering it through our buying club with United Natural Foods. Should that not be the solution, please contact the buyer for that product.

Should you have questions on what we do or do not sell, we invite you to make inquiries. Your comments, suggestions, and feedback — on this or any topic — are always welcome. We want you to think of this store as “yours,” so please let us know how we can better serve you.

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