EcoCertified Fruits are Official at NC Orchards

Last month marked a significant milestone for NC farmers. The first ever EcoCertified tree fruits – these beautiful white nectarines, pictured above – were officially available to the public in mid-June.

Not all locales are created equal, and the West Coast has a long-held advantage over Eastern states when it comes to farming. Its more arid climate is well-suited for cultivating organic produce, especially tree fruits. By comparison, our humid summers make prime conditions for fungus growth, and that, coupled with the pest pressure makes it incredibly challenging to produce organic fruits of comparable quality with current standards.

EcoCertified is an ecology-based farming, certification, and marketing program that gives local farmers the opportunity to produce near-organic fruit while taking regional environmental factors into account, backed by rigorous standards and support from a partnership of growers and industry experts.

“The most ecological and effective farming practices aren’t the same for every locale. EcoCertified practices are designed for growing conditions in this region, to protect pollinators and wildlife, promote soil and tree health, and treat orchards as holistic ecosystems.” – Red Tomato

Red Tomato, a non-profit based in Rhode Island, launched the EcoCertified program in the Northeast in 2005, and since 2023, has been collaborating with folks in the NC food system to establish a Southeast chapter. In an effort to give East Coast orchards greater access to agricultural markets, Farmer Foodshare, along with local wholesalers and several farmers in our network, have been a part of bringing this program to life in our state. Alan Deal, a participating grower who allotted 25 acres to test the program and was the first NC farmer to receive EcoCertification, will wrap up stone fruit harvest in a few weeks with yellow peaches and nectarines. This fall, he will conduct another round of reports and protocol review with his apple trees. Throughout the season, Triangle eaters can purchase Deal Orchards EcoCertified fruits at Weaver Street Market. As the EcoCertified program takes root in NC, we are reminded that our mission goes beyond simply buying from local farmers. At Farmer Foodshare, we work to remove industry barriers, create opportunities, and direct resources to NC growers that provide technical support needed to build sustainable farm businesses. Connecting our farmers with Red Tomato and the EcoCertified program is another step towards a locally focused food system where consumers can source safe, quality food within their own state. Progress happens within community, and we are glad to continue building sustainable futures for NC farmers.