As with the Rocky Mountain Growers Directory, Fresh Connection focuses on farms and ranches who use sustainable methods in their production.  These methods are better for the land, the produce or animals, and for consumers.

These are the definitions we use to define growing practices used by our producers:

• (CN) Certified Naturally Grown = Inspected and certified through
  “Certified Naturally Grown” – an alternative for small farmers – as
  complying with National Organic Standards
• (G) Grass fed = Finished on grass rather than in feedlots on grain
• (H) Heirloom/Heritage = Open pollinated variety of fruits/vegetables introduced before 1950 or traditional animal breed.
• (IPM) Integrated Pest Management = Sustainable approach to pest control using crop rotation and other methods, pesticides used only when crops are seriously threatened
• (N) Natural = No artificial flavoring, coloring, chemical preservatives, artificial or synthetic ingredients, including hormones and antibiotics; no pesticides or herbicides.
• (O) Organic = Inspected and certified as complying with National Organic Standards.
• (NCO) Non-certified Organic = Grown/raised using organic standards, but have not been certified.
• (B) Biodynamic = Grown using biodynamic methods.
• (P) Pastured = Grazed and moved to greener pasture frequently. Grass significant part of diet, may be fed conventional feed as well.