A guide to terms you may see and hear at the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market.

Artisan/Artisanal:

The terms "artisan" and "artisanal" imply that products are made by hand in small batches.

Biodegradable:

Biodegradable substances are able to be broken down into simpler substances by the activities of living organisms, thus unlikely to persist in the environment. Traditional plastics have long polymer molecules too large and too tightly bonded together to be broken apart and assimilated by decomposer organisms. However, wheat or corn starch derived plastics have molecules that are readily broken down by microbes. Each country has its own biodegradability standards, ranging from 90% to 60% decomposition of the product within 60 to 180 days of being placed in a standard composting environment. (See Compostable)

Biodiversity:

Biodiversity refers to the diversity of plant and animal life in a particular habitat, or in the world as a whole. Diversity is a key to ensuring the continuance of life on Earth and is a fundamental requirement for adaptation and survival and continued evolution of species. In an agricultural context, biodiversity can be used to refer to both the range of unique varieties or breeds that are grown or raised, as well as the number of different or unusual species that occur naturally in or around a farm.

Biodynamic:

Biodynamic farming is an approach based on the work of Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner. In addition to organic practices such as crop rotation and composting, biodynamic farmers rely on special plant, animal and mineral preparations and the rhythmic influences of the sun, moon, planets and stars.

Biotechnology:

In its simplest form, biotechnology means "applied biology," or the application of biological knowledge and techniques to develop products. By this definition, the classic, old-fashioned techniques used for plant and animal breeding, fermentation and enzyme purification could be considered biotechnology. However, in a modern context, it is used to refer to newer tools of genetic science, more specifically, the use of biotechnical methods to modify the genetic materials of living cells so they will produce new substances or perform new functions. Two primary modern applications of biotechnology include genetic engineering in agriculture and the development of pharmaceutical drugs.

Certified California Grower:

California farmers that sell at Certified Farmers' Markets are required to register with their county's agriculture department. These departments certify that the information the farmer registers--including crop types, number of acres, and location--is true. All farmers are required to post their certification at the farmers’ market. "California Certified Grower" does not mean "Certified Organic."

California Certified Farmers' Market:

A location that has been approved by the county agricultural commissioner for California producers to sell agricultural products directly to consumers.

Closed-herd:

This term means that the animals within a herd are all bred from within the herd. No animals are purchased from breeders or other sources and incorporated into the herd.

Compostable:

A compostable item will, under natural conditions, break down into compost – a mixture of decaying organic substances. Products labeled as “compostable,” such as containers or spoons, must be capable of undergoing biological decomposition in a compost site, according to standards released by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). To be called “compostable,” they need to biodegrade and disintegrate, with no toxic residue, and the resulting compost or mulch should be able to support plant life. This is an important distinction from the term biodegradable, which is sometimes used to describe petroleum-based plastics that break down into tiny pieces but do not fully decompose, or for materials that leave traces of toxins and are not suitable to support plant life. The Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) has a labeling program that tests and certifies materials (plastics and packaging) as compostable using the ASTM standards.

Conventional:

Refers to standard agricultural practices widespread in the industry. Can include use of pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, "mono-cropping," antibiotics, hormones and other agribusiness approaches. Conventional farming in the U.S. may also include the use of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs). The Ferry Plaza Farmers Market prohibits the sale of any products known to contain GMOs.

Dry-aged:

Meat that is "dry-aged" is hung in a temperature- and humidity-controlled room for a period of weeks to develop flavor and tenderness. Under controlled temperatures, the muscle fibers relax, yielding a less resilient piece of meat that is more tender to chew. Most commercially available meat is "wet-aged," meaning it is wrapped in plastic and then refrigerated for a shorter period of time.

Dry-farmed:

Produce grown using a technique that seeks to retain moisture in the soil and to minimize or eliminate the use of irrigation.

Farmer:

To sell at a California Certified Farmers' Market, all of a producer's products must be grown, raised, or caught in California and sold directly by the producer or his or her employee or family member. Every farmer in the market is required to post a Certified Producer's Certificate, issued by their county's agricultural commissioner.

Farmstead cheese:

Farmstead cheeses are made by the same people who keep the animals that produce the milk. In other words, they are cheeses "from the farm."

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. However, the USDA only regulates the term as it applies to poultry, requiring that “the poultry has been allowed access to the outside” (no duration, quality of “outside,” or definition of “access” is specified; a bird can spend the majority of its life indoors and still be labeled free range). There is no regulation of the free range claim for non-poultry animals or even egg-laying hens, and any label seen on meat packaging is largely a marketing device.

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs):

GMOs are plants and animals that have had their genetic make up altered to exhibit traits that are not naturally theirs. In general, genes are taken (copied) from one organism that shows a desired trait and transferred into the genetic code of another organism. Genetic modification is currently allowed in conventional farming.

Grass-fed:

The USDA regulates the label “grass fed” as it applies to ruminant animals (cattle, sheep, goats, and bison). The diet of grass (or forage) fed animals consists solely of freshly grazed pasture and stored grasses (hay or grass silage). The animals may not be fed grain and must have continuous access to pasture during the growing season (“growing season,” however, is not defined).

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 through generations.

Heritage:

Unlike the few animal breeds that dominate the meat industry, heritage breeds are rare and have a long history. Modern breeds have been selected for qualities that make them ideal for industrial meat production. Similar to heirloom fruits and vegetables, heritage meats typically have unique characteristics and tastes that make them highly desirable. Because these breeds are often native to particular regions and climates and may not be suited to industrial facilities, it is common for such animals to be raised in a more sustainable manner, with access to open pasture and a diet free from antibiotics or growth-hormones.

Humane:

If an animal product is labeled “humane,” it implies that the animals were treated with compassion. There are many labels that have been developed to assess animal welfare, including Humane Farm Animal Care’s “Certified Humane” and the Animal Welfare Institute’s “Animal Welfare Approved” (which currently has the most stringent standards). Issues addressed by many of these labels include: access to open pasture, the prohibition of antibiotics and growth hormones, gentle handling practices, and the banning of tail docking or beak clipping. The term “humane” is not regulated by the USDA. (Humane animal treatment is a core element of a sustainable food system [link to “Sustainable food is” page)

Integrated Pest Management (IPM):

A pest management strategy that focuses on methods that are least injurious to the environment. Pesticides are applied in such a way that they pose the least possible hazard, and are used as a 'last resort' when other controls are inadequate.

Natural:

USDA guidelines state that "natural" meat and poultry products can only undergo minimal processing and cannot contain artificial colors, artificial flavors, preservatives, or other artificial ingredients. The label is otherwise unregulated and does not address the way in which the animal was raised. (For this, refer to “naturally-raised”).

Naturally raised:

The USDA defines “naturally raised” animals as those which have been given neither growth hormones nor antibiotics, nor fed any animal by-products. Thus this term is very different from the USDA’s definition of “natural” and should not be confused.

No antibiotics:

Antibiotics are given to animals such as cows, hogs and chickens in order to prevent diseases that run rampant in the cramped conditions in which many food animals are kept. When a ranch or product professes "no antibiotics," this means that they do not engage in these practices.

No hormones:

Hormones are commonly used in the commercial farming of animals such as cattle to increase the size of beef cattle or to increase the production of milk in dairy cattle. Some of these hormones are natural, some are synthetic, and some are genetically engineered. If a ranch or product professes "no hormones," this means that they do not engage in this practice.

No Spraying/Pesticide-free:

Some farmers may avoid the use of pesticides, herbicides & 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 no toxic sprays applied to the produce.

Organically Grown/Certified Organic:

Organic/Certified Organic: Under federal law, 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 being followed. Certification is carried out by organizations accredited by the USDA. Organic farmers are not allowed to use synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, genetically modified crops, growth hormones, or antibiotics.

Meat which is certified organic must come from animals that are fed only organically-grown feed. The animal cannot receive any form of growth hormone or antibiotic treatment. In addition, organic livestock and milking cows must graze on open pasture for at least four months of the year.

Note: Some farmers adhere to organic practices but are not certified. Possible reasons for not pursuing certification include the cost, time, or paperwork involved in certification, and/or a philosophical difference with federal administration of the organic label. (not sure how to say this part…but what was there before was also true but a little odd.

Pasture-raised:

Pasture-raised (or pastured) implies that an animal is free to roam in open pasture without confinement. This term is sometimes used by ranchers with high sustainability standards to differentiate their product from products labeled free range. However, the term has not been officially defined by the USDA and is unregulated.

Raw milk cheese:

Cheese and other dairy products made from milk that is not pasteurized say "raw milk" on the label. In the U.S., raw milk cheeses are required to be aged for 60 days as a safety precaution.

Sulfured/No sulfur:

Many dried fruits are sulfured with sulfur dioxide (SO2) or meta bisulfate to keep them from oxidizing during and after the drying process. This preserves their original color and acts as a preservative. Some people have allergic reactions to sulfur. Unsulfured fruits are often dark brown in color.

Sustainable Agriculture:

Agriculture that is socially just, humane, economically viable, and environmentally sound.

Transitional:

Farmers need to practice organic methods for three years on a given piece of land before the products grown there can be certified organic. "Transitional" means that the farmland is in the midst of that transition period towards organic certification.

Vendor:

Processed and prepared foods made by regional artisan producers are allowed in a non-certified portion of the market on a limited basis. Some commercial sellers are also allowed at the market to add variety and complete the shopping experience.

Vine-ripened/Tree-ripened:

These terms are applied to fruit that has been allowed to ripen on the vine or tree. Many fruits that are shipped long distances are picked while still unripe and firm, and then sometimes treated with ethylene gas to "ripen" and soften them.

Vegan:

Foods with this label contain no animal products of any kind.

Wood-fired oven bread:

Breads baked in an oven made of brick, clay or sod that is heated by burning wood.

** Please note that many of these terms do not have legal definitions so may mean different things for different sellers. One of the great things about the farmers’ market is that you can talk to the people who grow and process your food; we encourage you to ask sellers about their practices! **