However, the survey also found that many people are put off organic food by high prices. These practices have been tainted by scandals such as the BSE crisis, and fears about the possible health risks of genetic modification. One in 10 people occasionally bought organic meat, dairy products and bread, the survey found. Supermarkets insist that they do not mark up prices on organic foods to make extra profits, saying the higher cost is because farming methods are more expensive.
Availability is quite low and it does cost more to grow and farm things organically.
But demand is shooting up, and while it may take a long time, if customers stick with it prices will come down. And tests show that you are less likely to serve up a helping of pesticide residues if you eat organic fruit and veg. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites Links to other Health stories are at the foot of the page.