Organic refers to the way agricultural products— food and fiber—are grown and processed. Organic production is based on a system of farming that maintains and replenishes soil fertility without the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and fertilizers.
The use of genetic engineering, sewage sludge, cloning, and irradiation are prohibited in organic production and processing.

• U.S. sales of organic food and beverages have grown from $1 billion in 1990 to an estimated $20 billion in 2007, and are projected to reach nearly $23.6 billion in 2008.

•Representing approximately 2.8 percent of overall food and beverage sales in 2006, this continues to be a fast growing sector, growing 20.9 percent during 2006.

•Organically grown and produced ingredients can also be found in such non-food items as personal care products, apparel, textiles, toys, supplements, and pet foods. Organic non-food sales grew 26 percent in 2006.

Source: Organic Trade Assoc. 2007