The Collegian

Issue date: 5/13/09 Section: Scene

Media Credit: Katie Donahue FOOD FOR THOUGHT: John Lagier explains the inherent benefits of eating organic food to partons of his food stand at the Stockton farmer's market.

John Lagier and other vendors braved the dreary skies to sell their products at the first downtown Stockton farmer's market of the season on Friday May 1. In Lagier's booth was a veritable almond-palooza: roasted almonds, almond slices, almond meal, and almond butter.

When Lagier hands out samples of his organic almond butter, he tells his customers, "You'll never go back to peanut butter."

Lagier, who owns Lagier Ranches in Escalon, has been involved with organic farming since 1992. By 1996, he was producing 100 percent organic food.

Organic farming is environmentally advantageous for many reasons. According to the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements website at www.ifoam.org, organic agriculture "enhances soil structures, conserves water, mitigates climate change, and ensures sustained biodiversity." Organic farming is also a natural pest control, which increases the abundance of crops, and workers benefit because they are not exposed to harmful chemicals.

Perhaps most importantly, in today's world, "people have a desire to have pesticide-free food," Lagier said.

Clearly, his customers echo that sentiment, as one told him after sampling the almond butter, "We're happy to see you here."

At various points throughout the year, Lagier's farm also produces organic blackberries, boysenberries, a variety of cherries, grapes, lemons, oranges, pomelo, and pawpaw, which is a fruit native to the southeast Ohio Valley.

Lagier is certified by the California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF). According to the CCOF website, organic food "is produced by farmers who emphasize the use of renewable resources and the conservation of soil and water to enhance environmental quality for future generations."

As such, crops are grown without traditional pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, ionizing radiation, or bioengineering. Organic meats and eggs are produced without giving animals growth hormones.

In addition to produce, the farmers market boasts an array of other booths, including flowers, art, and baked goods. The downtown Stockton farmer's market begins in front of the Bob Hope Theatre on Main Street and runs every Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. through Oct 30.

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