What does the label of “organic” mean? What types of foods can be produced organically? Do organic foods carry any special risks for interactions with medications?

The discussion assignment provides a forum for discussing relevant topics for this week based on the course competencies covered.

For this assignment, make sure you post your initial response to the Discussion Area by Wednesday, May 3, 2017.

To support your work, use your course and text readings and also use outside sources. As in all assignments, cite your sources in your work and provide references for the citations in APA format.

Start reviewing and responding to the postings of your classmates as early in the week as possible. Respond to at least two of your classmates. Participate in the discussion by asking a question, providing a statement of clarification, providing a point of view with a rationale, challenging an aspect of the discussion, or indicating a relationship between two or more lines of reasoning in the discussion. Complete your participation for this assignment by Sunday, May 7, 2017.

Organic Foods

Organic foods were once found only in specialty grocery stores, but they are now widely available in specialty and conventional grocery stores alike. In fact, the organic food market, which was at $1 billion in 1990, has grown to a staggering $286 billion market in 2010 (Organic Trade Association, 2011).

Clearly the popularity of organic foods has skyrocketed over the past few decades, but the debate remains as to whether organic foods are really worth the often higher price in comparison with conventional foods. With this in mind, along with outside research, answer the following questions.

• What does the label of “organic” mean? What types of foods can be produced organically? Do organic foods carry any special risks for interactions with medications?
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of consuming organic food? Is organic food healthier than conventional food? Why or why not?
• Do you choose to purchase and consume organic food? Why or why not?
• If organic food was not more expensive than conventional food, would you choose to consume it in lieu of conventional food?

Reference:

Organic Trade Association. (2011). Industry Statistics and Projected Growth.

Retrieved from http://www.ota.com/organic/mt/business.html