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PhrasesAt the MarketHa prodotti biologici?
A2

Ha prodotti biologici?

Do you have organic products?

Pronunciation

a pro-DOT-ti bio-LO-ji-ci

When to use it

Asking whether the stall carries certified organic produce.

What it means

Organic (biologico, abbr. BIO) certification is regulated by the EU. Italian markets increasingly have dedicated bio stalls, though some small farmers grow without pesticides but cannot afford official certification. It is worth asking both questions.

Variations

Sono biologici?

Are they organic?

About specific items already selected

Sono trattati?

Have they been treated (with pesticides)?

More direct question about pesticide use

Ha la certificazione biologica?

Do you have organic certification?

Formal, asking for the official certificate

Mini Dialogue

— Ha prodotti biologici? — Le verdure sì, tutte certificate. La frutta è naturale ma non ha ancora il certificato. — Va bene, prendo le verdure bio. — Certamente, cosa le serve?

— Do you have organic products? — The vegetables yes, all certified. The fruit is natural but not yet certified. — Fine, I'll take the organic vegetables. — Of course, what do you need?

Cultural Note

Italy has one of the largest areas of certified organic farmland in Europe. The Bio label requires EU-accredited inspection. However, many small Italian farmers practice organic methods without the paperwork, especially in rural southern Italy.