Many groups that promote one farming method over another are moving away from fear-based messaging targeted toward consumers.  This is a very positive trend and may be a result of a realization that this disparaging approach may have a negative and unanticipated impact on consumers because it could discourage purchasing of any produce – organic or conventionally grown.

There is also increased understanding that the science clearly supports the safety and nutrition of organic and conventional fruits and veggies. Consumers can attest to the great taste of both as well. This understanding and knowledge may be having a quieting effect on disparaging messaging too.

Reassuring consumers about produce safety is important because even the most ardent followers of their choice may only have an organic or conventional option available to them in certain circumstances. We can all agree it would be unfortunate for someone to choose not to purchase or order a healthy produce item due to unfounded safety concerns if their preferred option is not available.

This is why the Alliance for Food and Farming created the Facts, Not Fears webpage.  This page includes science-based information for consumers about the safety of all produce including facts about nutrition, washing produce, toxicology and organic farming.  The page also includes links to peer-reviewed researchwhich inform on the need to abandon old promotion strategies which disparage safe produce.

It should be noted that when consumers read the science and information presented on the Facts, Not Fears webpage, 80+ percent stated they had a favorable opinion of organic and conventionally grown produce.

With only one in 10 Americans eating enough fruits and veggies every day, it is important to provide accurate produce safety information so consumers can make the right shopping choices for their families.  That choice should not be based on fear – it should be based on facts.