Organic food has become a staple in local health food stores and in most grocery stores. At the root of the organic foods movement is a deep concern for personal health and an understanding that in many ways, “we are what we eat.” Almost all food stores now carry a special section of natural and organic food. Consumers are demanding more and more certified organic foods and this has put a strain on the market. Sales are growing faster than any other segment of the food industry. Annual sales in the United States are topping anywhere from $16.3 billion to $29.7 billion. Several reasons exist for both this increase in demand and the hinder of growth. If one understands these issues, a larger understanding exists of how the natural organic food market will help consumers.

Three reasons exist for the increase in sales of natural organic food, however, the main reason is quite simple. Obesity and heart disease are among the prevalent health related deaths of individuals. A way to avoid both of these is to stay fit and healthy. Natural organic food offers individuals the choice of products lacking in toxins as well as far healthier foods than those previously available. It is for these reasons demand has increased dramatically.

With the increase of E coli, salmonella and Listeria, people are becoming more aware of the food they put into their bodies. Consumers want to be healthy at all costs and natural organic food offers the assurance of no pesticides or toxins. This assurance will decrease the amount of infections from occurring due to the lingering effect of chemicals. One other reason people are choosing natural organic food is because of the demand for environmentally friendly materials. Organic food products are not only free of toxins, but they are also packaged in “green” materials that can easily be recycled. With the planet trying to take a stance on taking care of the environment, any type of material that can be recycled is a plus.

Today many have taken a holistic approach to their health. It is understood that health involves (in addition to organic foods) proper nutrition, exercise and health of the mind. For some music has become a part of their holistic approach to health. Listening to and playing music has helped many to relax, relieve stress and attain an overall greater sense of well being. The ocarina is a small flute that has allowed people to encorporate more music into their lives. The growing popularity of the ocarina may be an indicator that people want to fit music into their busy lives instead of the other way around… and perhaps an indicator that people understand at a deep level that music and enjoyment of life are all part of their overall health.

Even though several reasons exist why natural organic food is a plus, a few reasons do exist that seem to be hindering the growth of this type of market. In organic farming, labor shortages are a great setback. Farmers are increasing the production of crops and livestock yet a shortage of qualified inspectors is on the rise. With limits in inspections, a lack of consistent supply to the markets is starting to occur. Since demand is increasing, a consistently short supply is the worst thing that could possibly happen to the natural organic food industry.

Since the demand for natural organic food is increasing, the market has exploded with revenue. With recent news of E coli outbreaks, an increasing awareness for the health conscious consumer, as well as the need for materials that can be recycled easily, the organic food industry is the logical choice. However, with farmers being forced to decrease production resulting in a consistently short supply of materials, the organic food market share can go either way. As the problems are worked out within the industry, natural organic foods will continue to rise and so will the revenue that it generates.

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