In his slightly polemical column Consumers are savvy about organic food (FT, May 19), Michael Skapinker expresses doubts on the health and environmental benefits of organic foods in general and sees confirmations of that in report of a 32% Fall in Second Quarter Net Income (Motley Fool, May 18) at Whole Foods.
He also mentions the recently released 2009 Organic Market Report by the Soil Association which points to a small increase in organic food sales in the UK of 1.7% for 2008.
Compare this 1.7% to the 22% growth in 2007 reported by the same Soil Association writes Caroline Stacey in a Detailed Look at Organic Foods for Food Matters (BBC, May 2009).
The fall in sales might have more to do with people being more careful with their spending than any reflection on the pros and cons of Organic Foods.
I for one purchase some organic salad greens at my traditional supermarket as they charge a dollar or so less than Whole Foods (which some call 'Whole Paycheck').
As the Soil Association report reminds us the economic conditions shine light on various ways we have to purchase healthier and/or tastier foods be it free-range, local (farmers markets), pesticide-free, fair trade, seasonal and 'natural' foods, not to forget local which as the weather gets more clement can be bought at farmers markets such as the Oakmont Farmers Market in Havertown, Pennsylvania showcased by my friend David McDuff.
What's cooking in your kitchen?
Food and Shrinking Budgets for Green Day # 77
Previously: Velo-City 2009, How Cycling Transforms Cities, Brussels, May 12-15
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