Many consumers select organic products out of environmental and animal welfare concerns as well as belief that organic foods are healthier and more nutritous.
T-tests and LSD tests indicate that age, education level and income all have an effect on consumers’ attitudes toward organic food as well as their purchasing behavior.
Cost
Studies have indicated that consumers are willing to pay a premium for organic food. Most respondents indicated they wouldn’t go beyond paying 10 percent more. Organic items tend to cost more than conventional ones due to labor costs, natural feedstock requirements and buffer zones between organic and nonorganic crops.
Organic and conventional prices differ across product categories, depending on market maturity, demand-supply relationships and distribution channels.
Search around to find the best prices. Many mainstream grocery stores now carry organic store-brand products at more competitive prices than their brand-name equivalents, including organic versions of staples such as granola, beans, rice, pasta and flour. Frozen organic vegetables often taste just as great. Join your local farmers’ market or CSA (community-supported agriculture) for produce at more reasonable costs.
Taste
Many consumers assume organic foods taste superior, yet no scientific evidence to back this belief exists. Instead, the flavor of food depends largely on ripeness, climate conditions and the nutrients in its soil.
In order to qualify as organic in the US, products must contain at least 70% certified-organic ingredients and meet other standards set by the USDA National Organic Program website.
In the UK, an item can be classified as organic if it contains at least 95% organic ingredients and has been certified as such by one of the organic control bodies (e.g. Soil Association). Along with adhering to stringent production standards for their organic offerings, companies that market them must also abide by ethical guidelines when producing or marketing organic goods.
Certified organic products in Canada must be produced on farms or facilities approved by an Organic Certification Body accredited by CFIA, including organic crop and livestock standards as well as handling and processing standards.
Health
Organic products are increasingly being purchased because their perception is that they offer greater health and flavor benefits over conventional alternatives. Free from synthetic additives like sweeteners, preservatives, colors and monosodium glutamate (MSG), organic produce has lower pesticide residue levels compared with its non-organic counterpart. A recent Environmental Working Group study also confirms this point.
People who regularly purchase organic food tend to be female, health-minded and physically active than non-organic shoppers, as well as more likely to have a balanced diet with an abundance of fruits and vegetables – particularly leafy greens.
Long-term observational studies will be necessary to demonstrate whether regular organic food consumption brings true measurable health benefits. Until these are complete, consumers should focus on buying nutritious food regardless of its organic status; such as berries which contain plenty of antioxidants and nutrients which could provide health benefits; by opting for organic ones you’ll avoid pesticides or chemical fertilizers being added into their bodies unnecessarily.
Environment
Organic farming seeks to enhance the environment by improving soil fertility, conserving groundwater supplies and protecting wildlife. Furthermore, it reduces pollution by prohibiting synthetic pesticides, petroleum-based fertilizers and sewage sludge dumping. In the US, the National Organic Program sets stringent standards for producing crops, livestock and processed products that carry an organic label.
Organic farmers use natural fertilisers such as manure and green manures to increase crop yields, and cover crops can help lock nutrients in the soil and limit nitrogen run-off. Organic standards strictly prohibit using peat in composts as this may damage valuable wetlands and soils.
Organic products tend to contain less chemical residue and have lower toxicity levels for human and animal consumption, particularly personal care items like deodorant, make-up and tampons that often contain harmful chemicals that disrupt hormones or lead to infertility and other health concerns.
