In its February 2006 issue, Consumer Reports magazine outlines the best bargains in organic food. It says new studies show that by eating organic food, “you can greatly reduce your exposure to chemicals found in conventionally produced foods.” The coverage considers the “dirty dozen” crops where USDA figures show the highest levels of pesticide residue as clearly worth the average 50 percent premium.

The magazine says benefits in meat and dairy are clear, but premiums are higher, while buying organic seafood and health care products are not recommended because organic standards are vague. Shoppers are given a list of ways to cut costs, including “go local” and in season at farmers’ markets, join a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farm operation and use internet guides for price comparisons.
Full story at Consumer Reports:
When it pays to buy organic