ND1202116

Title: Consumers Vote Organic With Their Dollars Despite Economic Difficulty

Description: More than 75 percent of U.S. families say they purchase organic foods, a new study finds.

Page Content: BRATTLEBORO, Vt. ? Seventy eight percent ? more U.S. families than ever before ? say they are choosing organic foods, according to a study published this week by the Organic Trade Association (OTA). ?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/CEO, in a press release.

�

The finding, from the OTA?s 2011 U.S. Families? Organic Attitudes and Beliefs Study, discovered that four in 10 families indicate they are buying more organic products than a year ago. ?It?s clear that with more than three-quarters of U.S. families choosing organic, this has moved way beyond a niche market,? said Bushway.

�

A OTA?s 2011 Organic Industry Survey revealed that the U.S. organic industry grew at a rate of nearly 8 percent 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.

�

Nearly half ? 48 percent ? of parents surveyed revealed that 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 percent of parents are now familiar with the USDA Organic seal, up significantly from 65 percent in 2009. However, the study also found that three in 10 U.S. families are new entrants to the organic marketplace.

Content Subject: Marketing/Merchandising

Formatted Article Date: December 2, 2011

games toys