The popularity of organic foods has grown significantly in the past few years. People view organic products as safer, healthier, and more ethically responsible. As a result, a shopper pays a premium for this peace of mind, but is the extra money worth it?

Production of organic foods is done without the use of synthetic chemicals. Organic foods do not contain any of the possible dangerous chemicals contained in traditional foods, such as pesticides and hormones. Some people choose organic as a way to support local agriculture and reduce the carbon footprint of the delivery of produce from distant locations. People have different reasons for choosing organic foods.

Organic Issues

Due to an increased demand for organic food, finding completely locally grown products has become tougher. Several necessary ingredients may not be readily available for all locations. An example is producers that use organic milk may not be able to find all they need in the local area. They must use supplies from other locations to meet their needs.

Some organic products aren’t any safer than their traditional counterparts. Some produce, such as: bananas, sweet peas, and pineapples, retain minuscule traces of the chemicals used on them. Also, organic processed foods are often mixed with many inorganic foods. Organic beauty products and seafood have no USDA standards, so the “organic” label can be easily manipulated and changed to dupe unwary consumers.

What is the Extra Cost of Organic?

There is great variation in the prices of organic food. Price increase can range anywhere from 10% to 100%. It is much tougher for large companies to produce organic products on a large scale, and as a result, they charge a higher price.

It is possible to conserve money by buying from local farmers. Selection will be somewhat reduced, but you will pay less, and the food will be fresher. Additionally, you are conserving the fossil fuel that it would require to deliver from distant locations. Also, you will be supporting your local economy.

In deciding if paying the price hike is worth it, learn as much as you can about the product. Read the labels and research company history, as not all organic foods are the same. Keep in mind that with many products it is possible to work around USDA standards for the “organic” label. Once again, buying from local farmers is generally a smart decision.