Organic Tomatoes (photo by Dmitri Jeltovski, courtesy of morguefile.com)

Providing American families with the option of enjoying food raised without pesticides has been one of the great achievements of the organic farmers movement. The growing demand for organic foods by consumers continues to be a promising trend for the American food system. Along with quests for more flavor and better nutritional value, the desire to avoid pesticides has been a key driver of the demand for organics.

Even in these challenging economic times research from the Mintel International Group indicates that hormone-free milk and organic baby food, are expected to continue to sell well. Mintel says households with small children that ate organic before the recession will probably continue doing so.

Still, there’s a long way to go to overcome decades of unhealthy practices driven by the industrial food system. By our count there have now been at least six studies establishing a link between pesticides and Parkinson disease. Scientists from Duke University, Miami University and the Udall Parkinson's Disease Research Center of Excellence “found those exposed to pesticides had a 1.6 times higher risk” of suffering from the debilitating disease. A study conducted at India’s Patiala University found evidence that pesticides have damaged the DNA of farmers in that country, making them more likely to develop cancer. Other researchers have theorized that the reason organic produce has a higher nutritional content than conventionally-grown food is due to pesticides inhibiting the production of nutrients in plants.

We can all play a part in creating a healthier and more sustainable food system by demanding that our food be raised without toxic pesticides. Our bodies, our planet, and our children will be the beneficiaries.

The nonprofit Environmental Working Group offers a guide you can carry in your wallet, "so when you're shopping you'll know which produce to buy organic, and which conventionally-grown fruits and vegetables are okay if organic isn't available.”

For a free download of the EWG’s guide go to: Shoppers Guide to Pesticides

Here's the EWG's link to its full guide: FoodNews.Org (You must provide your email address for the full guide.)

Make a tax deductible contribution to the Environmental Working Group and they’ll send the guide in the form of a refrigerator magnet!