Despite a shaky economy, 78% of U.S. consumer are choosing to purchase organic foods, and 4 in 10 families are buying more organic products than they were year ago, according to findings from the "2009 U.S. Families' Organic Attitudes and Beliefs Study," jointly sponsored by the Organic Trade Association (OTA) and KIWI Magazine.
The findings support results of OTA’s 2011 Organic Industry Survey that revealed the U.S. organic industry grew at a rate of nearly 8% in 2010. Fueled by consumer choice and demand, the organic sector is one of the few components of the U.S. economy that continues to add jobs.
According to the most recent study, 48% of parents surveyed revealed their strongest motivator for buying organic is their belief that organic products “are healthier for me and my children." Other motivators for purchasing organic included concern over the effects of pesticides, hormones and antibiotics on children, and the desire to avoid highly processed or artificial ingredients.
Nearly a decade after the federal rules for organic were implemented, 72% of parents are now familiar with the USDA Organic seal, up significantly from 65% in 2009. The study also found 3 in 10 U.S. families are new entrants to the organic marketplace. This figure is consistent with prior years’ findings, and indicates a need for continued outreach and education on the verified benefits offered by organic agriculture and products.
“In a time when the severity of the economy means making tough choices, it is extremely encouraging to see consumers vote with their values by including quality organic products in their shopping carts," said Christine Bushway, OTA’s executive director and CEO. “It’s clear that with more than three-quarters of U.S. families choosing organic, this has moved way beyond a niche market."
The findings support results of OTA’s 2011 Organic Industry Survey that revealed the U.S. organic industry grew at a rate of nearly 8% in 2010. Fueled by consumer choice and demand, the organic sector is one of the few components of the U.S. economy that continues to add jobs.
According to the most recent study, 48% of parents surveyed revealed their strongest motivator for buying organic is their belief that organic products “are healthier for me and my children." Other motivators for purchasing organic included concern over the effects of pesticides, hormones and antibiotics on children, and the desire to avoid highly processed or artificial ingredients.
Nearly a decade after the federal rules for organic were implemented, 72% of parents are now familiar with the USDA Organic seal, up significantly from 65% in 2009. The study also found 3 in 10 U.S. families are new entrants to the organic marketplace. This figure is consistent with prior years’ findings, and indicates a need for continued outreach and education on the verified benefits offered by organic agriculture and products.
“In a time when the severity of the economy means making tough choices, it is extremely encouraging to see consumers vote with their values by including quality organic products in their shopping carts," said Christine Bushway, OTA’s executive director and CEO. “It’s clear that with more than three-quarters of U.S. families choosing organic, this has moved way beyond a niche market."
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment