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)

In upstate NY, the Sustainable Otsego organization is co-sponsoring a workshop on permaculture with writer Albert Bates. Bates, author of 11 books, has written about law, energy, history and the environment, including the book "Voices from The Farm.''

To meet the needs of a rapidly rising human population, the planet needs to produce more food over the coming 50 years than it did in the last 10,000 years combined, warn experts organizing a major world forum on the critical need to restore and protect Earth’s precious soil resources.

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs), introduced into our food supply in the mid-1990s, are one of history’s most dangerous and radical changes in our diet. These largely unregulated ingredients are in 60-70% of the foods in the US, but are well worth efforts to avoid them.

The Toronto Star reports on the little-known business history of Menu Foods. Pet food in America is a $15.5 billion dollar a year industry, and Menu Foods has 90% of the $3.2 billion dollar wet food segment. The recalls have hit competitors, Del Monte and Nestle Purina. Small natural or organic companies will grow but can't handle the volume.

This is a thorough review of the history of the idea of organic food. It challenges some popular myths and is scientifically solid since Dr. Silver is a molecular biologist who has discussed this topic in his recent book "Challenging Nature."