Farmer's Markets

Maria: I was about to ask that same question! Please allow me to add: how close to organic are local farmers?

Only fruit and veggies, sometimes eggs, and as organic as they can get away lying about it and you believing it.

Depends on the water sources and whether if it's from a pond contaminated with goat and tortoise poop.

Which island? On STT there was supposed to be a spot for them to butcher and sell to the public, but after the opening fanfare, I haven't seen another open notice.

Gourmet Gallery and the Fruit Bowl sell organic stuff, so they might have what you're looking for.

The locally caught fish may qualify as organic depending on your definition.

Plenty of chickens running around if you want to catch your own. There was a huge one at Havensight last week which I'm sure someone caught for their pot since I haven't seen it in a few days.

You didn't say which island, so I'll talk about STX:

Ridge to Reef is a certified organic farm on St. Croix and the only certified organic farm in the VI. They sell wonderful vegetables and fruits on Wednesdays at Pollys at the Pier. You should also check out www.vi.locallygrown.net which is a partnership of farmers with Ridge to Reef farm selling local produce, some organic, some not.

Sejah farms sells vegetables and fruits (not certified organic) and many local meats - chicken, lamb, goats, pork, turkeys. Best thing to do is go by or call and order what you like as they butcher to order.

Annaly Farms sells local grass-fed senepol beef but you have to ask for it - and this is going away so get it while you can!

Other farmers are not certified organic but use organic methods - GLG Plants and Produce is one, ARTFarm is another. Aberra's fruits are also farmed using organic methods. The smaller farmers vary - I just always say wash your produce, no matter what!

A good rule is when driving West on Centerline - if the farm stand is on the right (north) side of the road, it is grown locally. Most all of the farm stands (tables) on the left are not local and are selling imported conventionally grown produce and, well, lying about it being local. Jackson farm is the one stand (close to Fsted) that is the exception.

Most of these farms have web pages or Facebook pages. You can also find a map on my old blog (which is still current) on www.golocalstcroix.com.

There are plenty of free-range chickens out here on the east end of St Thomas. Catch and keep! Please come get 'em!!

Only fruit and veggies, sometimes eggs, and as organic as they can get away lying about it and you believing it.

hahahahahahahahaha, so true.

I like the idea of locally grown, not necessarily organically grown. I find that local produce stays fresher longer. A little disappointing to hear that there isn't much in STT.
Thanks JulieKay for the info on STX!

I know that Ridge to Reef delivers weekly share boxes to both STT and STJ. You can find info on their website if you want to join, it's worth it for their amazing tomatoes alone!

I do know there are some small farms on STT and I know one farmer, but STT folks will need you to tell you about the markets.

Maria123, there is a lot of locally grown produce on St Thomas if you're willing to seek it out and try new things. There is often okra, tomatoes,calabaza, avocadoes, papayas, bananas, etc depending on season. Sometimes you find collarard greens. I sometimes buy green tomatoes for frying.

The vendors will usually tell you how locals prepare or prefer a particular item.

Thank you for the responses!