Supporting organic and sustainable farming methods has never been more important than it is today, with escalating concerns over the origin, production and transportation of our food. But there is good news to report. As more and more farmers return to traditional farming methods, both consumers and the environment reap the benefits. And the consumers who purchase organic and sustainable products are supporting an industry working toward a solution to our health- and ecology-related problems.

While science has not yet determined whether or not organic foods are more nutritious than their conventional counterparts, growing them does heal the earth. Organic growing methods eliminate the need for chemicals and naturally introduce nutrients back into the soil by using compost and “cover crops” that protect the soil and quickly turn to compost after the harvest. Crop rotation and companion planting (intermixing plants that repel leaf-eating insects) reduce pests without using insecticides.

Many people falsely believe that organic farming methods are sustainable as well. However, sustainable agriculture requires more than simply eliminating pesticides and chemicals from farm practices. Sustainable agriculture takes into account environmental stewardship and social responsibility, while maintaining the economic viability of a farm. For example, selling produce locally decreases the environmental impact of lengthy distribution routes, and hand weeding cuts back on the use of tractors.

Choosing organic and sustainable agriculture promotes economic, social and environmental security. The only way to know if your food is organic and/or grown in a sustainable manner is to know who grew it. Take a trip to your local farmers’ market and ask your grower about their farming methods. You will learn more about where your food comes from, make a new friend and walk away with the best-tasting, freshest food available today.

Kelly Williams is the Publicity Assistant at Greenmarket, a program of the Council on the Environment of New York City. Please visit www.cenyc.org for more information.