By eating organic and local foods you are supporting the natural resources we depend on to produce enough food now and in the future. you are affecting soil, water, and air as well as preserving natural habitat for beneficial organisms and for wildlife. you are also supporting the health of consumers and farm workers, and reducing demand for toxic chemicals and synthetic fertilizers that put the health of workers in those industries at great risk.

What is organic?

Organic produce is grown without the use of pesticides, synthetic fertilizers or other methods (such as genetically modified organisms and chemicals). Food ingredients are produced by farmers who emphasize the use of renewable resources and the conservation of soil and water to enhance environmental quality for future generations.

Organic meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products come from animals that are given no antibiotics or growth hormones. Free range farming is also a more environmentally sound/humane method of raising animals and is healthier for our bodies as well.

One of the most important decision you can make each day is to choose safe, clean food not just at home but whenever you eat. Share your food wellness and knowledge with friends–you might literally be saving their lives and creating a healthier environment for all. How you choose to spend money as a consumer drives the market!

This knowledge is imperative to the continuation of having safe, local food available as the organic standards are under attack even now by large businesses seeking to profit from the food you choose to eat. In other words, they profit from the use of the term “organic” without actually adhering to the practices that define organic, healthy soil or healthy and humanely-raised animals, etc.

What does The Mark do to become even more sustainable?

The Mark is an independent and woman owned. The space was designed and constructed using recycled and vintage materials whenever possible. The Mark sets sustainable goals each year and as revenues permit, strives to improve from an ecological standpoint.

We believe that we are working to SUPPORT INCREASED SUSTAINABILITY FOR THE WHOLE COMMUNITY BY SUPPORTING AND PROMOTING LOCAL AGRICULTURE.

What are some of the challenges/strategies for utilizing organic, local, seasonal ingredients in creating, excellent rustic Italian cuisine?

In order to maintain the best quality we shop around constantly and seek out the best farmers and suppliers to bring good food to your table. At times, the price of an organic item may be 2 or more times that of a non-organic item and this must be factored in when we create a menu that can be enjoyed and afforded by all.

How does The Mark support local food systems in Olympia?

The Mark supports food culture by serving organic products that are sourced locally whenever possible and have actively promoted the direct purchase of goods by consumers from local organic farms since 2001. It is our belief that our farm to table introduction is one of our biggest roles in supporting the local food system. We are always learning and striving to improve in this aspect of our work. The Mark became the only restaurant certified organic by Washington state in 2009.

What are the advantages of organic and local foods and why does it seem to cost so much?

– Organic farming is much more labor intensive due to the use of natural gardening methods that in the end result in healthier soil that give you better nutrition and doesn’t poison your water and air.
– Organic farms are typically smaller in scale than conventional farms and do not benefit from federal subsidies as do many of their conventional and larger counterparts. This could change.
– Remember every dollar you spend on organic and locally produced food is a vote for improved food quality and helping to protect your environment!

the higher costs of organic at the present time result from more farm labor on a smaller scale and absence of federal government subsidies, but not, it’s worth mentioning, from lower yields. over time, organic production methods stabilize yields at levels at or above those in conventional farming.

while the cost you see in the market may be higher, organic farmers reduce the hidden costs of conventional farming such as damage to health and environmental damage caused directly by chemical use and indirectly by chemical industries.

How can I make the transition to eating all organic when it seems so expensive?

Identify the most toxic or altered foods and gradually replace these with clean, healthy organic food. You can slowly complete your transformation to a new, more healthful diet. Enjoy and congratulate yourself with each change you make, it doesn’t need to happen over night as long as you make progress you will succeed!

Explore the local farmers markets, food coops and farms in your area that have CSAs and some less expensive, more reliable means to purchase organic goods will present themselves!

Think Farm to table!