(February 21, 2008) — It tastes better au natural. Did you know even Wal-Mart has gone organic? What started as a trend to promote small local growers and skip out on the pesticides in food at the local farmers’ market in the ‘60s has turned into something that even the world’s largest conglomerate wants to capitalize on. Eating organic food gives some the perception of being healthier. “I feel like a healthy person when I eat organic [foods],” senior Andrea Peralta said. By definition, in this country, organic means that fruits and veggies aren’t grown with pesticides, artificial fertilizers, additives or genetic enhancers, and that animals are raised without any antibiotics or growth hormones. But organic technically doesn’t mean it’s technically healthier. According to the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) website, it makes no claims that organically produced food is safer or more nutritious than conventionally produced food. Organic food differs from conventionally produced food in the way it is grown, handled, and processed. Although the USDA doesn’t claim that organic is healthier, buying produce grown without pesticide is in itself a profound health benefit. Studies show that infants still in utero are already exposed to millions of toxins that stem from pesticides ingested by the mother years ago, according to organic.com , a website that informs people about the benefits of organic. Pesticides used in conventional farming are also shown to cause some cancers. “It’s hard to know though if what you’re buying is even organic, even with government regulations. But I do like the fact that the food I’m eating is grown without any cancer causing pesticides,” said teacher Diana Jaynes, who tries to buy organic whenever possible. Organic has become the way to go, especially in the last few years. Whole Foods Market, a grocer that specializes in organic foods, is a pioneer in bringing organic to the mainstream. The once small store that started in Austin, Texas has expanded into a multibillion-dollar organic food empire. Most grocery store chains now offer organic. Even Vons has its own line of organic products conveniently named Organic . But to some, buying organic is a luxury because it costs 10-40 percent more compared to conventionally produced foods. “Even though it is expensive, buying organic is totally worth the cost because of the health benefits,” Peralta said. Despite usually higher prices at the grocery store, Farmers’ markets are also places where organic foods prosper. It’s a place where small growers can stay in business and where food is fresh and local since the distance of travel is relatively close. The last decade has seen a great increase in the number of farmers’ markets that exist today due to the organic trend, according the Agricultural Marketing Service. It’s no wonder why Wal-Mart wants to tap into this market.