Survey shows consumers choose organic

CONSUMERS are increasingly choosing organic products as part of their shopping routine, a survey has found.

The survey, commissioned by the Organic Federation of Australia (OFA), the sector's peak national body, found 61 per cent of respondents bought organic products.

The result shows organic products are becoming increasingly popular. In 2003, a survey conducted by the University of Central Queensland found 43 per cent of consumers bought organic produce.

"The organic industry is emerging from a small niche to a significant part of the Australian food industry," OFA Chairman Andre Leu said in a statement.

A recent report showed the organic food sector was worth more than $600 million, and when combined with the compost sector its value to the Australian economy exceeded $1 billion a year, Mr Leu said.

"The Organic Federation of Australia would like to see industry and governments prioritise organic sector investments so that we can continue to facilitate more viable farms, increase employment and expand the range of organic goods and services across all areas of Australia," Mr Leu said.