Nearly all consumers who say they purchase organic products buy organic fruits and vegetables, according to a new survey on U.S. consumer attitudes about organic food.

According to the 2013 U.S. Families’ Organic Attitudes and Beliefs Study, released in early April by the Brattleboro, Vt.-based Organic Trade Association, 81% of consumers surveyed said they had purchased organic food products at least sometimes.

Fresh produce remains the leading category of organic purchases, according to the study, with 97% of organic consumers reporting purchases of organic fruits or vegetables in the past six months. The survey, conducted in January of more than 1,200 consumers, also reported that organic consumers spend more per shopping trip and shop more frequently than those who never purchase organic food.

Similar to previous studies, the 2013 report shows that 48% of consumers who purchase organic foods say they do so because they are “healthier for me and my children,” according to a news release.

Other reasons for purchasing organic, according to the release, include a desire to avoid:

• Pesticides and fertilizers (30%);
• Antibiotics and growth hormones (29%); and
• Genetically modified organisms (22%).

According to the survey, 42% of consumers say their trust in organic products has increased in the past year, up from 32% who felt that way in the 2012 survey,

The complete study is available online for $1,495 for members and $1,995 for non-members.

Source: The Packer (Tom Karst)