Organic Oranges (photo by Darnok, courtesy of morguefile.com)

Organic products have shifted from being a lifestyle choice for a small share of consumers to being consumed at least occasionally by a majority of Americans, according to a recent briefing from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The USDA says consumer demand for organic goods has shown double-digit growth for well over a decade and provided market opportunities for American farmers across a broad range of products. Organic food is now available in nearly 3 of 4 grocery stores and account for over 3% of total U.S. food sales, according to recent industry statistics. The USDA has found that:

• Organic food is sold to consumers through three main venues in the United States—natural food stores, conventional grocery stores, and direct-to-consumer markets.

• A typical organic consumer is difficult to pinpoint, but new research continues to shed light on consumer attitudes and purchasing behavior.

• Organic price premiums continue to remain high in many markets as the demand for organic products expands.

Providing American families with the option of enjoying food raised without pesticides has been one of the great achievements of the organic farmers movement. 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.

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. Another found evidence that pesticides made it more likely to develop cancer. Some 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

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