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AMERICANS ought to have the opportunity to choose the kind of food they buy, and that opportunity should include conventionally produced food as well as locally, naturally and organically produced food.
However, consumers should make their food purchases based on facts and not perceptions that one form of production is more ethical or responsible or healthful and nutritious than another.
A recent study by credentialed nutrition/public health researchers cleared up one of those perceptions -- or misperceptions -- when they concluded that there are no differences in nutritional quality or other health benefits between conventionally produced and organic food.
The study was not anti or pro one kind of food over the other. It just said consumers should not make their food purchasing decisions on the belief that organic foods are more healthful and nutritious, because they are not. It said if consumers want to pay higher prices for organic food, they certainly have that choice -- that opportunity.
It also suggested that more study is needed -- good quality, large-scale, longitudinal research -- but for now, organic producers should put down one of their banners because it doesn't fly.
Another study -- a survey of how much consumers do spend on food -- honed in on another question about conventional and organic food: the cost. The study found that the average cost of a shopping cart filled with organic food is almost 18% more expensive than a cart filled with national brands and nearly 40% more expensive than a cart filled with store brands.
Again, this study was not anti or pro one kind of food over the other. It just pointed to how different choices have different costs and did not say consumers shouldn't have those choices or opportunities.
These are important messages for consumers in making decisions about the food they want to buy, and as they do not seek to influence what choices consumers make -- just that they have accurate information on those choices -- they should be received objectively and seriously.
Choices and opportunities abound in the American food marketplace, and information about this is available at www.FeedstuffsFoodLink.com. | 
