The organic market has been the fastest growing segment of the food industry for several years now, according to food scientist Dr. Karin Allen. It is a multi-billion dollar market. The American Dietetic Association says that most Americans purchase some organic foods at least occasionally. In the U.S., only about 3% of the nation’s total food sales are organic, but that’s still a lot of sales. Three-quarters of the nation’s grocery stores now carry some organic food.

Organic food usually costs more—sometimes a lot more—than conventionally grown or raised food. Purchasers of  organic food spend the extra money because they believe they are doing something good for their family, community, and/or planet. They are convinced of some or all of the following statements:

1). Organic food is safer.

2)  The quality is better: organic food is more nutritious and tastier.

3)  Buying organic is the ethical thing to do: animals raised on organic farms are treated more humanely, and produce grown organically is better for the community and the planet.

Is there good evidence for believing these statements?