The group surveyed 1,000 natural and organic consumers in April. The marketing group looked at current buying habits compared to 6 months ago. The survey showed about nine in 10 consumers reported buying the same or more environmentally products now versus 6 months ago.

 

Some of the study’s key findings include:

Richard Pirog, associate director for the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture in Ames, Iowa, says he believes the core group of organic consumers has not changed their buying habits. “Food prices are sharply increasing, but they are still a small amount for the average consumer,” he says.

 

But, he believes those who may just buy organic food occasionally are probably opting against purchasing the higher-priced items. He says he sees these consumers looking more at sales items to continue buying organic products.

 

The survey asked consumers how they were coping with the current economy’s higher food prices. It showed that most consumers are doing such things as using coupons and watching sales. The results showed consumers saving their money on green products by:

According to the survey results, the increased consumer commitment to green and organic products is due to increased media attention and awareness of the health and environmental advantages of buying organic, locally produced and sustainable food.