WHATCOM COUNTY, Wash. -- A local expert says interest in organic food is up, although a study shows there are fewer organic farmers here in Whatcom County.

Organic food sales have increased globally, up nearly 8% last year according to the latest survey by Organic Trade Association.

Laura Ridenour, Food and Farming Program Manager for Sustainable Connections, says more people are concerned about how their food is produced, and the sentiment rings true locally as well.



Ridenour thinks people might not be spending more money, but may be willing to shift their shopping habits in order to afford the higher priced organics.
 
The amount of organic farmland in Whatcom County dropped nearly 12% last year, according to the Washington State University Center for Sustaining Agriculture and Natural Resources.