As the push toward "going green" is picking up steam around the country and world, more and more people are opting to consume organic products whenever possible, both for their personal health and for positive environmental impact.

Organic refers to a method of farming that is environmentally-friendly and is an alternative to conventional farming methods, according to the University of Illinois Extension in Macon County.

The organic food industry has exploded, with $14 billion in sales in 2005 and an annual growth rate between 15 and 21 percent a year, according to the U of I Extension. Organic food sales now account for about one percent of total supermarket sales and are predicted to increase.

One hundred percent organic means that the product is made with only organic ingredients which are free of growth hormones, antibiotics, pesticides and synthetic hormones; they are also not genetically modified, said Laura Etchason, clinical nutrition manager for Decatur Memorial Hospital. Simply "organic" means that 95 percent of the ingredients in the product are organic.

When shopping for products that meet the "organic" qualifications, look for a seal that reads "USDA organic," Etchason recommended.

"Also, the product can state 'made with organic ingredients' if 70 percent of the ingredients are organic," she said.

Etchason said it is also important to note that "natural" does not mean the product is free of hormones, antibiotics or pesticides. "Natural" is not a regulated term by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration; it simply means that the product is "minimally processed," she said.

While common belief in the general public is that organic products are much healthier than non-organic, that hasn't necessarily been proven or disproven.

"The reason most people feel organic is healthier is because of the lack of chemicals used on organic products and the perception that there are more nutrients," Etchason said. "There have been some studies that show a higher content of some vitamins, minerals and 'good' fats. New studies are also evaluating the association of pesticide use with learning disabilities, hyperactivity, obesity and diabetes."

Organic farming is also good for the environment, which has been at the forefront of movements in recent years.

Prices for organic products may be higher as compared with non-organic, the U of I Extension noted, because organic food is produced on a smaller scale and may need to be milled or processed separately. There is also an increase in shipping costs from more centralized production in otherwise regional markets.

"There are strict guidelines for producing organic products," Etchason said. "For example, soil has to be free of any chemical or synthetic fertilizer for three years prior to producing an organic crop. Animals cannot be treated with antibiotics and must be fed with 100 percent organic food. Also, animals need to have a large enough area to roam."

Despite price differences, organic products have been noticeably climbing in popularity lately. Etchason said she receives more questions about the differences between organic and non-organic, and grocery stores are beginning to offer more and more options for organic.

"Fresh produce is probably the most desired (in central Illinois)," she said. "There are organic farmers locally that offer co-ops for people interested in getting the freshest produce available, which are seasonal."