58% of Americans Prefer Organic Foods

WASHINGTONWhen given the opportunity, 58% of Americans choose organic foods over conventionally produced foods, according to a national survey of more than 3,000 participants conducted for NPR by Thomson Reuters.

The findings also reveal the penchant for organic is higher among both young and highly educated respondents63% of respondents under age 35 prefer organic foods as do 64% of those with a bachelor's degree or higher. Thirteen percent say organic foods taste better, and 54% of those who preferred non-organic food said price is the primary driver of that preference.

Among those who prefer organic foods, 36% do so to support local farmer's markets, while 34% choose organic foods to avoid exposure to toxins in non-organic foods. Seventeen percent say organic foods are better for the environment, while 13% say organic foods taste better.

"There appears to be a generational difference in preference for organic foods," said Raymond Fabius, M.D., chief medical officer at the healthcare business of Thomson Reuters. "The strong, positive sentiment among young people indicates they are more concerned with exposure to toxins and place a higher premium on supporting local markets. It stands to reason that, by expanding the network of farmer's markets, we could see a further groundswell around the support for organic foods."