Going Organic

The second annual “Organic Index” poll, conducted by Louis Harris and Associates for Organic Gardening magazine, surveyed 1,250 adults at the end of 1989. Respondents were questioned about their gardening activity and preference for organic foods and a clean environment.

More than 57 percent said they’ve eaten organic produce, up from 48 percent in 1988. Eighty- four percent said they would buy organic if the cost were the same as commercial produce, and 52 percent said they would pay more. Nearly 65 percent citied long-term health benefits as the main reason to eat organic foods.

The survey also found that almost 30 percent of American adults grow their own fruits, vegetables and herbs. Of this group, 56 percent say they use organic methods in their gardens, such as composting and no pesticides or chemical fertilizers. This means that almost 17 percent of Americans, a total of 30.6 million people, are going organic.

Vol 9 Issue 3 Page 5