Why do some try and limit choices in the produce aisle when we should be encouraging “and/both?”  Instead “only organic” has been promoted primarily by certain groups agendized and monetized to champion this production method while denigrating the other.

But survey after survey shows that many consumers subscribe to the “and/both” philosophy when buying produce.  So why aren’t we supporting that? Because there are times when you’re eating at a restaurant and organic salads are what’s available on the menu.  Or your kids want berries and your store only has conventional available that day, which is not an uncommon occurrence since 94% of the foods consumed in the U.S. are conventionally grown.

I’m no different.  While I primarily buy conventionally grown produce when I shop, my grocery store only stocks organically grown herbs.  So when I need basil, parsley or cilantro, it will be organic.  I will also purchase organic if the packaged amount is what I need to avoid food waste.

But my choices are never based upon safety concerns – only convenience or availability.  Because whatever form of produce I purchase or we consume, I know it has been grown and harvested with care by hard working farmers and farm workers and can be eaten with confidence.

I’m privileged to know many many farmers.  Most grow both organic and conventional fruits and vegetables for grocery stores and restaurant chains throughout the nation.  But, I see that their first and most important consumers are their own families and friends so the safety of the food they grow is always their priority.

And science backs up the safety of all produce.  Study after study and years of government sampling data verifies both organic and conventional produce are safe for everyone – men, women, teenagers, kids and expectant mothers.  For example, an analysis by University of California toxicologists found that a child could consume hundreds to thousands of servings of a fruit or vegetable in a day and still not have any effects from pesticide residues.

This is why we advocate so strongly for consumer choice.  Our message is simple, buy the fruits and veggies you enjoy and are affordable and accessible to you.  And don’t let any group or their inaccurate safety claims discourage you from purchasing the fruits and vegetables you and your family love.

Because produce-rich diets prevent diseases, improve physical and mental health and lead to a longer life, however, only one in 10 of us eats enough each day.

So be reassured about your shopping choices of these healthy foods and free yourself from unwarranted safety fears about produce.  Enjoy all the amazing, tasty fruits and vegetables available wherever you shop.  Embrace “and/both” and dismiss “only.”