Organic Foods

  by Nate Birgenheier, M.D.

Although they account for only 1-2% of total food sales worldwide and in the United States, organic foods are one of the fastest-growing commodities in the food business. In 2002, organic food sales accounted for 23 billion dollars in sales1. Worldwide, the organic food market has been growing by 20% per year since the early 1990s, and future growth estimates predict that figure to be 10-50% in the coming years depending upon the country.

In the U.S. sales of organic goods are federally regulated by the National Organic Program (NOP). In 2005, two thirds of U.S. consumers reported purchasing organic foods, up from one half in 2004. Organic products are now available in over 20,000 natural food stores and more than 70% of conventional grocery stores or supermarkets.

Most consumers are motivated to buy organic products due to notions that these foods are somehow healthier, safer, and more environmentally friendly than their conventional counterparts. Are these notions true, and can they be substantiated? This website aims to help answer that question!