A package of organic strawberries costs $7.  A gallon of organic milk is roughly $5. A block of organic cheese is more than $12.

In one grocery shopping trip, people could spend a week’s paycheck buying certified organic food.

But without any proven health benefits and no signs of positive effects on the environment, organic food does not constitute the price.

The term organic refers to the method used to produce food which is free from pesticides, chemical fertilizers and is not processed with food additives.

But organic isn’t healthier.

A study conducted by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) proved no difference in the nutrients found in organic produce, meat and dairy to those conventionally grown.

Adding organic food to the diet will not change the overall healthiness of a person.

All one needs is to eat a well-balanced diet.

Another thing to consider is the taste. Organic food has yet to be picked as the sweetest, freshest or juiciest by taste test participants when up against conventional food.

Organic farming is increasing the use of our valuable resources including water.

The Heartland Institute also confirmed that producing organic food, such as tomatoes, uses more energy and causes more pollutants therefore it is far from “saving our environment.”

With growing demand, many large, well-known manufacturers have since joined the organic farming trend.

So buying organic food isn’t necessarily supporting small local businesses.

While so many people are worried about the pesticides used in conventional farming, there are much larger problems than just in the food we eat.

Both land and air pollution already has a negative affect on our health and the environment.

According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, people are exposed to chemical pollution found in cleaning supplies to name a few.

The benefits include supporting our small community farmers, eliminating the big carbon footprint from mass production and eating the freshest food picked that day.

It’s time we stop thinking organic is better and start putting money back into our wallets.