Organic foods are produced according to certain production standards. For crops, it means they were grown without the use of conventional pesticides, artificial fertilizers, human waste, or sewage sludge, and that they were processed without ionizing radiation or food additives. For animals, it means they were reared without the routine use of antibiotics and without the use of growth hormones. In most countries, organic produce must not be genetically modified.Organic food production is legally regulated. Currently, the United States, the European Union, Japan and many other countries require producers to obtain organic certification in order to market food as organic.Historically, organic farms have been relatively small family-run farms — which is why organic food was once only available in small stores or farmers' markets. Meanwhile, it is becoming much more widely available, with market growth rates of around 20% a year since the early 1990s, far ahead of the rest of the food industry, in both developed and developing nations. As of today organic food accounts for 1-2% of food sales worldwide. In the future, growth is expected to range from 10-50% annually depending on the country. (see facts and statistics below)

I suppose you could say my interest in organics and the ethics of food goes back to when I was a child. I remember the enormous pleasure I had from growing my own vegetables in the garden at Buckingham Palace and from being in the countryside

The Gardenzone is a step by step explanation of how to grow organic food crops, make compost, harvest, store and cook your produce. There's also a forum. the site is well laid out and easy to navigage

Grow your hair long for Locks of Love - a nonprofit organization that makes wigs for children who've lost their hair. "Feeder goldfish" cost less than 10 cents. Their food is around a $1 and lasts many months. One can use any type of glass bowl or antique canning jar to keep them in.

When you are searching for a menu that is high in nutritional value and low in preservatives and additives, consider an organic raw food diet. Raw food has become the focal point of many people's diets because they recognize all of the benefits of eating food in its natural form. Add an organic growing environment to that equation and you have a

An upcoming op-ed in the SF Chronicle charges that the "eat local" movement is adversely impacting the success of African farmers growing organic foods. The Ethicurean explores this premise.