The terms often get mixed up when we talk about organic foods, natural foods and health foods. While there are many healthy and natural foods, very few of them are organic foods. However, more organic food products are becoming available every day. The organic food market is growing at the rate of 17-20% annually compared to traditional foods that have experienced a mere 2-5% growth in annual sales.

Commercially-produced organic foods must pass thorough inspection at every stage of the farming and marketing process. In the United States, for example, the USDA sets and enforces organic food regulations. Canada, Australia and Japan are among other countries with strict governmental standards.

Organic farms help preserve the environment by eliminating the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides that are proven to drain into our water ways. Worse yet, as much as seventy seven percent (77%) of commercially grown produce contain residual pesticides and fertilizers. Not so with organic produce. The greatest obstacle preventing more consumers from buying organic food is the excessive cost premium. Organic foods often cost 20-50% more than the comparable commercially-grown products.

Although all food supplies listed as certified organic are actually so, there is a vast supply of organic food products that is not listed as certified. The process to obtain and maintain an organic certification is expensive. Governmental fees can prevent smaller farming operations from becoming certified. There are many opportunities for a resourceful consumer to find great deals on organic foods. The produce and meat available from family-owned farms is of the highest quality.

As the organic food market continues to grow, we should expect to see prices fall to a more palatable level. Until then, here are a few tips for eating organic on a budget:

• Make note of the road side produce stands in your area. They will usually be in the same location every year. Talk to the attendant and ask where their produce in grown. In most cases it will be a family-owned farm not far from the sales stand. They will be proud to tell you about their farming methods. Mark you calendar for the specific times of year for certain types of produce.
• Find the local u-pick strawberry farm. Ask if they use chemical fertilizers or pesticides. In most cases they do not.
• Find the nearest apple, peach and cherry orchard and make note of the harvest weeks.
• Start your own garden. Start small and learn as you go. Anyone can grow tomatoes and a few herbs. Apartment dwellers can even create container gardens.