What began as a “hippie” movement in the 60’s and 70’s is now one of the
largest growing markets in the United States. Some quick facts from the US department of Agriculture:

The U.S. organic food industry crossed a threshold in 2000: for the first time, more organic food was purchased in conventional supermarkets than in any other venue.

Growth in retail sales has equaled 20 percent or more annually since 1990. Organic products are now available in nearly 20,000 natural foods stores, and are sold in 73 percent of all conventional grocery stores.¹

People are demanding better quality food and the market is growing to accommodate these needs.

The scientific data behind eating organically grown foods to insure better health is no longer being denied, and is now being widely accepted.
Organically grown food has more nutrients than conventionally grown food and none of the toxic chemicals, pesticides and genetically modified
organisms that have proven to cause reproductive disorders, infertility,
cancer and many other illnesses.²

For some people, the main obstacle of eating organically grown food is its higher cost, but according to a recent news report one of the largest retailers is jumping on the organic bandwagon and offering better quality food that’s affordable too.

Scott Lee, CEO of Wal-Mart states, “We don’t think you should have to have a lot of money to feed your family organic foods.”³ Wal-Mart is stocking organic produce and other health-related products to meet the market’s demand.

With large retailers like Wal-Mart offering consumers better quality food, the prices are coming down, but at a big cost. Large agribusinesses are taking over the organic market and muscling out the small local farmers.

Purchasing direct from the local farmers market, Community Supported
Agriculture or Food Co-op is by far, the best and most cost effective way to get your produce and other farm products. This ensures your food is the freshest (usually picked the same day) and supports the growth of your community by keeping the small farmers in business.

1. Recent Growth Patterns in the U.S. Organic Foods Market. By Carolyn
Dimitri and Catherine Greene, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service, Market and Trade Economics Division and Resource Economics Division. Agriculture Information Bulletin Number 777.

2 Imagine a World Without Monarch Butterflies, by Alex Jack, One Peaceful
World Press, 2000.

3 http://www.usnews.com/usnews/biztech/articles/050627/27walmart_2.htm

For information on where to get the best quality food check out the New
York Greenmarket Guide to find a local farmer’s market near you.
http://www.NYWellnessGuide.com/nutrition/index-markets.asp

Or join a Community Supported Agriculture:
http://www.justfood.org/csa/

You can achieve vibrant health by making the best food choices as often as
possible. Buy organic produce and make some great tasting healthful
meals. Check out the recipes at:
http://www.andreabeaman.com/

Better Food for Better Health,
Andrea Beaman, HHC