Tellwut Online Survey Finds Only 32% Feel Eating Organically Grown Food Is Important

To buy organic or not? That was the question posed to over 2,800 in an online survey conducted by Tellwut on the value of organically grown foods. The survey found that only 32% felt that organically grown foods were an important part in their grocery purchase regime; though when asked if organic was healthier, the jury of decided voters was split down the middle. With a rise in retail shelf space going to organically grown foods over the last few years, Tellwut’s online market research arm posed a number of questions to its Tellwutter community surrounding the importance of organic produce, along with the whys and why not’s. This online survey produced a number of interesting observations including the result that only 32% feel that organically grown food is an important factor when purchasing produce and with decided voters returning a split decision as to whether or not organic is healthier. Organically farmed goods are produced in a way that adheres with the organic guidelines of various governments as well as international organizations. In basic terms an organically grown good is food that is produced in an environmentally friendly and sustainable manner, without the use of chemical and or artificial pesticides. The organic food movement is a growing global trend, however the Tellwut survey found that while 32% felt it was important, 51% did not consider it to be a factor and 17% were undecided in regards to their organic consumption habits. An overwhelming 89% of members found organic foods to be too expensive, though prices do vary based on the item, location and season. On average organic goods appear to be 42% more expensive than their conventionally grown counterparts according to http://www.organic.com. When asked the main reason for choosing to purchase organically grown food, 51% of members choose to do so because it is pesticide free which means that it is grown without the help of artificial pesticides, however it should be noted that organically grown produce still use pesticides, they are just considered ‘organic pesticides’ meaning that they are derived from natural sources. 28% of members also chose organic to support local farmers, while 17 percent felt it tasted better. Many members also referenced that organic was not genetically modified (GMO), an important factor to them. Is organically grown food more nutritious than conventionally grown food? 33% of panel members did not agree, 34 % of panel members did agree, while the other 33% were unsure. There are hundreds of studies comparing the nutrient levels of organic vs. conventionally farmed goods, but according to a report produced by the Food Marketing Institute the USDA has found that organically grown food is not safer or more nutritional than its conventionally farmed equivalent, they only state that it is different in how it is grown, handled and processed. 61% of panel members felt that some produce is better to purchase organic than other produce. An article by Dan Shapley posted by Good Housekeeping magazine suggests that it is best to spend your money on organic fruits and vegetables which are thin skinned and have edible exteriors such as apples, tomatoes or grapes, versus produce like avocados which have outer layers. Interestingly 51% washed their fruits and vegetable in under 10 seconds, while 26% rinsed between 10 and 30 seconds and only 15% gave produce more than a 30 second rinse. As one Tellwutter put it, “Organic is just another label to sell something at a higher price, while the jury is out on health benefits.” With sentiment like this it is not surprising that this online market research study found that the minority of 32% of panel members consider eating organic to be an important part of their diet and of those purchasing organic only 35% purchased more organic food this year when compared with last year, while 15% purchased less and 50% purchased the same. About Tellwut®. Tellwut is a North American online community of individuals dedicated to expressing their opinions through online surveys based upon a wide variety of topics in exchange for rewards and the Tellwut community experience. The Tellwut community and proprietary survey and reward software application provide a platform for organizations to send surveys to their stakeholders or to crowdsource and conduct online market research through the use of the Tellwut survey platform and the Tellwut Community; thus allowing businesses a clearer understanding and insight into their products or services, customer attitudes and potential business opportunities.