Cyclosporiasis spread drives shoppers to local farms for produce

Cyclosporiasis spread drives shoppers to local farms for produce

Rocky Comfort Natural Farms, based in Elkins, said it’s seeing a rise in sales as the spread of cyclosporiasis is causing people to be wary of buying produce at the grocery store.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. —

The spread of cyclosporiasis is causing some people to change their grocery shopping habits.

The Arkansas Department of Health has confirmed 35 cases of cyclosporiasis in the state so far this year, as of Friday.

A multistate outbreak of cyclosporiasis has been linked to shredded lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms and sold at some Taco Bell restaurants, according to CNN.

Now, some shoppers are looking elsewhere for their produce.

Elkins-based Rocky Comfort Natural Farms said it’s seeing a rise in sales at the Fayetteville Farmers Market as people become wary of buying produce, especially lettuce, at grocery stores.

“One of the biggest questions that happened was, where can I get lettuce? Because lettuce is one of the main culprits so far is what everyone’s hearing,” said Cory Condery, owner and operator of Rocky Comfort Natural Farms. “I literally had people say I don’t know if I’m going to shop at the grocery store anymore.”

He said as more and more people wonder what produce is safe to eat, shopping local is the answer.

“There’s never been any known or documented cases in a small farm,” Condery said. “It’s always been in huge places, especially with mismanaged irrigation water.”

He said Rocky Comfort Natural Farms is certified organic and, like many other local farms, goes through regular testing of its water quality.

“You can be closer to what you’re doing,” Condery said. “Everyone is really invested. It’s not just a job to them. It’s not just what they do. It’s their passion, and it’s their life.”

Whereas larger industrial operations might have less attention to detail.

“People know they can trust their farmer and trust their community,” Condery said. “It’s a really big deal and it boosts sales. They’ll look for you for that product. I’ve been here for 10 years and there are still people who depend on me to grow arugula or lettuce.”

He said if cyclosporiasis continues to spread, he hopes people don’t become scared to buy produce, but instead buy from places they know they can trust.