Organic Trade Association

The Organic Trade Association (OTA) has highlighted results from the US Department of Agriculture's annual Pesticide Data Program that show 'significant differences' between the levels of pesticide residue found on organic and non-organic fruit and vegetables.

Christine Bushway, the OTA's executive director and CEO, said: 'There is no shortage of nutritious, tasty, safe and affordable organic produce for families across the nation.'

The OTA, a membership association for organic agriculture and products that represents 6,500 organic businesses across 49 US states, pointed out that fruit and vegetables are the fastest-growing organic sector, growing 11.8 per cent in 2010 to reach a total value of $10.6bn and claim a 12 per cent share of the overall US produce market.