Organic foods are produced according to certain production standards. For crops, it means they were grown without the use of conventional pesticides, artificial fertilizers, human waste, or sewage sludge, and that they were processed without ionizing radiation or food additives. For animals, it means they were reared without the routine use of antibiotics and without the use of growth hormones. In most countries, organic produce must not be genetically modified.Organic food production is legally regulated. Currently, the United States, the European Union, Japan and many other countries require producers to obtain organic certification in order to market food as organic.Historically, organic farms have been relatively small family-run farms — which is why organic food was once only available in small stores or farmers' markets. Meanwhile, it is becoming much more widely available, with market growth rates of around 20% a year since the early 1990s, far ahead of the rest of the food industry, in both developed and developing nations. As of today organic food accounts for 1-2% of food sales worldwide. In the future, growth is expected to range from 10-50% annually depending on the country. (see facts and statistics below)

The food price index of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, based on export prices for 60 internationally traded foodstuffs, climbed 37 percent last year. That was on top of a 14 percent increase in 2006, and the trend has accelerated this winter.

At 1-800-FLOWERS, the range of comestibles includes celebrity-chef packages, such as the Barefoot Contessa Breakfast Tray, a package of food items from U.S. TV personality and cookbook author Ina Garten. The latest food gifting trend is organic products. For some anxious shoppers, giving the gift of grub means never having to guess a sweater size..

A well-considered letter to the editor detailing how the reasons for choosing organic food and sustainable practices ethic extend beyond price tag. Everyday consumer choices impact people's lives: every dollar spent is a vote on land management policy, health care availability, organized labor, etc. L-O-C-A-V-O-R-E!

Finally some good news. Your food & health freedom is being taken away - fight back by supporting organic. This article reports on the growing organic trend among American families. The numbers are still small, but evidently growing at an unparalleled rate.

With millions of people trying to “green” their lives and eat more organic whole foods, restaurants are taking notice. Now more than ever it’s easier and easier to find vegan and vegetarian restaurants or ones that only use locally grown produce and meats. Well, the health “trend” is now revamping the bar industry.