Independent watchdog, ConsumerReports.org have done their research when it comes to buying organic food as part of your grocery shop. They say that although some organic food can cost as much as 50% more than conventional. But there are many ways to save when buying organic products:

1) Comparison Shop ? They found that products vary greatly in price from store to store, so shop around and save.

2) Go local ? Shopping at a farmers market can cut out the middle man and the premium price.

3) Join the farm team – Buy a share in a community-supported organic farm and you?ll get a weekly supply of produce.

4) Order by mail ? You may be able to find national providers of organic products that sell competitively by shipping in bulk. Have a search around on the internet.

ComsumerReports.org interestingly suggest that it may not be worth buying all organic if your reasons are regarding pesticides. Some conventional produce may not even contain pesticides. Their recommendations are as follows:

Buy these items as often as possible as the conventional counterparts have consistently higher levels of pesticides:

Apples, bell peppers, celery, cherries, imported grapes, nectarines, peaches, pears, potatoes, red raspberries, spinach, and strawberries.
Meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy.
Baby food.

Buy these items if money is no object as multiple residue items are rarely found in them:

Asparagus, avocados, bananas, broccoli, cauliflower, sweet corn, kiwi, mangos, onions, papaya, pineapples, and sweet peas?

and these items are processed so often wash away important nutrients:

Breads, oils, potato chips, pasta, cereals, and other packaged foods, such as canned or dried fruit and vegetables.

Don?t bother buying these items organic as there is currently no strict certification in place:

Seafood, Cosmetics

Source: ComsumerReports.org