Organics - fad or the future?

Organic food has been one of the biggest trends in the food sector in recent years. FoodNavigator is seeking your views on whether organics have staying power, or whether consumers will lose interest over time.

Drought no barrier to organic growers

An organic food craze has sent business booming in Dubbo, despite the widespread drought.

A new report has found that organic produce growers have experienced an 80 per cent growth in farm gate sales over the last four years and locally the organic market seems to be thriving.

How to be a budget organic

With all the news about rising food costs, you may be wondering if the organic milk you've been putting in your cart is worth the extra cash. It is. Organic food is more expensive, but when it comes to the staples of your diet, organics are a worthwhile investment, with payoffs that might surprise you. The benefits influence your health today — and long-term. Here, why certain foods are worth the splurge, plus tips to save you money while keeping your diet nutritionally and ecologically sound.

Organic food 'good for you' says EU

The European Commission has launched a campaign to inform consumers of the benefits of organic food and support those involved in the ever-growing organic market.

Health experts push for organic lifestyles

CONSUMERS hear and read about organic farming but they are not always sure what that means. They sometimes question what ‘makes’ food organic – and why it is more expensive than other foods. They may be puzzled by the typically higher cost of these foods, wondering why this should be so as the benefits of such foods may be perceived as being not worth the extra expense.

Farmers told organic is way to grow

Agricultural experts and officials are urging farmers to stop using chemical pesticides and start growing organic, non-genetically modified produce for export to European markets.

Prospects flourish within organic industry: expert

As the perception of health and taste benefits from organic produce drives sales across all demographics, opportunities are arising in every sector of the food industry.

George Pontiako, president and CEO of Bi Nutraceuticals, told FoodNavigator-USA.com that while fresh fruit and vegetables are proving the most popular among health-conscious consumers, more unusual organic products, such as beer and vodka, are also becoming successful.

Spotlight on organic food

HEALTH is one of the biggest single concerns for people living in the UK. Research shows that organic food can be more nutritious for you and your family – it does not contain any additives, E numbers, pesticides, drugs or flavourings. What it does contain is more of the good stuff we need – like vitamins and minerals.

Finns Lose Taste for Organic Products

The demand for organic products is mushrooming across the globe; however, Finns seem to be losing interest. In fact the popularity of organic products in Finland seems to have declined since the year 2000.

Health enthusiasts reluctant to give up pricey organic foods

In a display fridge at Claudia's Natural Food Market in Sylvania, Organic Valley Orange juice sells for $7.39 a half gallon. Nearby, a 15-ounce bag of Kettle Brand potato chips costs $5.29. Despite rising fuel and food costs, sales at several local organic and health food markets remain strong, managers said. For loyal customers convinced that natural foods are the key to good health, purchases are not discretionary spending that can be reduced like movie tickets and restaurant trips, they added.

The lowdown on organic food

What is the truth about organic food? Well, organic simply means that it doesn’t have anything artificial in it. Fruits, vegetables and livestock are grown all-natural. Okay, we all know that but how does that really relate to us? Why are people being encouraged to switch to organic even though it is relatively more expensive? Is it really that better and beneficial to our health? Don’t take my word for it; let’s hear it straight from the experts.

What you need to know about organic food

Organic foods are now part of the mainstream food supply as fruits, vegetables, meats, poultry, eggs, canned goods, cereals and snack foods are flooding the store shelves.

World of difference for Fairtrade as credit crunch takes its toll

Those who say a ripple in America creates a wave in the UK looked to have been proved right.

The global credit crunch which was born out of the US sub-prime crisis has hit Britain hard and with more of us conscious about how much we spend and what we spend it on, one of the first casualties appears to be the organic and Fairtrade goods which until a few months ago filled middle-class shopping baskets.

Organic produce...from China??

You buy organic because it's better for you and the environment because the produce is grown without pesticides or other potentially-harmful chemicals.

But what if those organic vegetables came from China? Would you serve them to your family?

It turns out you may already have.

Organic trend produces confusion

Some shoppers may have noticed an increase in the number of organic items for sale in the grocery store.

Organic food sales in the United States have escalated by 17 to 20 percent a year for the past few years, compared to 2 to 3 percent a year for conventional foods. This could be partly attributed to the concern many have about the potential harmful effects of foods exposed to hormones, pesticides, and antibiotics used in conventional farming.

Industry Fails to Explain Organics to Public

The fresh produce industry is failing to help consumers make an informed choice between organic and non-organic produce. It is also failing to invest in the market opportunities that exist in both the organic and nonorganic markets because of its lack of understanding of what consumers want.

These were the findings of a sixmonth study on organic fruit and vegetables, published this week by the dunnhumby Academy of Consumer Research at Kent Business School, Canterbury.

Organic farming important in producing clean, safe food

Turning to organic farming has become a global goal to help clean and safe agricultural products get to the dinner table, particularly while insecticide-related diseases are increasing.>



Organic farming depends on environmentally-friendly resources like natural fertilizer. It uses biological ways to combat agricultural problems and tries to stay away from chemical substances that can alter the food and its quality.

Local and organic are the buzzwords, but they don't always mix

Local and organic are the latest foodie buzzwords - but don't always mix well. Good intentions can be lost in an ethical minefield.

Organic ingredients may clock up many air miles and the eco-aware restaurateur is left weighing up the evils of air freight over the lower environmental impact of organic farming.

New test to show if vegetables are really organic

A New Zealand scientist has invented a test to discover if vegetables have been grown organically.

GNS Science's Karyne Rogers said she developed the test to stop people being "fobbed off by someone else's half-baked organic vegetables", the Dominion Post reported today.

The isotope test looks at base elements in vegetables, and shows whether they were raised with organic manure or industrial fertiliser.

Organic-friendly Americans buy farm shares

Health scares, food shortages and growing concern about the environment have boosted so-called community-supported agriculture across the United States.