According to a tracking study conducted by Organic Trade Association, four out of ten families are purchasing more organic products than they did just one year ago. In light of a troubled economy with high unemployment, this is good news considering that organic products are often more expensive.

The term organic actually refers to the method of growing and processing agricultural products. Therefore, it includes processing, production, distribution, and even sales. Consumers need to be assured that an organic product is actually an organically grown and produced product. When a product is labeled as "certified organic" it means that the product was grown according to strict guidelines and standards, which are uniform and verified by either private organizations or independent state organizations. Certifications take into account inspections of processing facilities, record keeping, and soil and water testing to name a few of the standard areas measured.

Organic foods and beverages are a fast growing segment of the food industry. Of course, health food stores have carried organic products for years, but they are now becoming increasingly sold in mass market grocery shops. Even smaller stores are getting into the picture of selling organically-made products, largely in part due to customer demand.

When most consumers think about the term "organic", they think mostly of fruits and vegetables. While that is true, organic dairy products also are becoming more available these days. We can now even purchase organic food for our four-legged friends: our pets. You may have even noticed that some household cleaning products, linens, and even clothing are some of the other "non-food" organic products available today.