Story: Organic Food Fight, 02/08/06
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/extra/features/jan-june06/organic_2-08.html

Reading Comprehension Questions:

1. Why are big food manufacturers eager to get into the organic food business?

2. What is the definition of organic?

3. Why do some people argue that organic standards should be less strict?

4. Why are some people against broadening the definition of organic?

5. What rule changes were made in 2002?

6. List the three organic labels and what they mean.

7. What is the best way to ensure you are eating 100 percent organic food?

Discussion Activity (more research might be needed):

1. Why do you think more Americans are buying foods labeled "organic"?

2. Why are processed foods such a large part of what Americans eat? Is the same true for other parts of the world? What are some differences?

3. The Organic Trade Association argues that more Americans would eat healthy organic foods if they were cheaper and more readily available - in other words, if the strict standards that make them expensive were loosened. Do you agree?

4. Visit an organic food store in your community. Who shops there? Why?

Write a 300-500 word essay on any of these topics providing clear examples. Send your completed editorial to NewsHour Extra (extra@newshour.org). Exceptional essays might be published on our Web site.