Each year, more products are being labeled 'organic' and both supermarkets and farmer's markets are increasing the variety of organic fruits, vegetables and animal products as well as other products including organic clothing that are available for shoppers. Sales of organic food are outperforming sales of their conventional counterparts despite some question over whether or not buying organic is worth it. Buying organic reduces exposure to chemical pesticides, antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and genetically modified foods.

The USDA's National Organic Program (NOP) defines how the term 'organic' may be used. According to the NOP, the USDA organic seal verifies that:

* Irradiation, sewage sludge, synthetic fertilizers, prohibited pesticides, and genetically modified organisms are not used to grow crops (fruits, vegetables, grains) labeled organic;

* Producers of organic livestock meet animal health and welfare standards, do not use antibiotics or growth hormones, use 100% organic feed, and provide animals with access to the outdoors; and