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. However, since the early 1990s organic food has had growth rates of around 20% a year, 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. Future growth is expected to range from 10-50% annually depending on the country. (see facts and statistics below)

Australia's Commonwealth and Industrial research Organization (CSIRO) and Monash University in Melbourne have developed a chemical process that turns common green waste into a stable bio-crude oil. The reasearchers claim the energy is renewable, greenhouse gas neutral and eliminates the food versus fuel debate.

(World Wide Opportunities On Organic Farms) is an organization that in return for volunteer help WWOOF hosts offer food, accommodation and opportunities to learn about organic lifestyles. They offer many different countries to go to including: Australia, Canada, Norway, Hawaii, Germany, France, Japan, Italy, New Zealand, UK, and many more

In Australia the debate is starting to heat up about opening the floodgates to the cultivating of genetically modified foods. It's based on fear: lack of water, protection from bird flu. There are two big pictures: one innovating respectfully in harmony with nature. The other "improving" upon and altering nature.

The description of the methods and stories, sources and style of coverage of the debates around organic farming, humane animal husbandry, environmental problems, genetically modified foods, and bringing the urban concerns into the city in Australia, in a new blog, Soul Food.

In Australia the Omnivore's dilemma is existential. A choice between organic principles, respecting and working with the land, and the grand scientific interventions of genetically modified crops.