Consumer are cutting back on luxury items, but those who are purchasing organic do it because they believe it is something that's good for themselves and their families. They also believe it is good for the earth.
To be organic, food must be produced without chemical fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides and synthetic hormones and grown in a way that replenishes the soil.
Sales of such foods and beverages totalled 1 billion dollars in 1990 and almost 7 billion in 2006. Sales are projected to pass 23 billion this year.
Despite all the optimism, within the industry farmers and producers worry there is a point, price point, where even the most dedicated organics consumers says enough.
Does price influence your choice to buy organic? Tell us more.