Organic food refers to foodstuff produced according to organic farming methods. Generally, it concerns the preservation of natural ecosystems and biodiversity, environmental protection, animal welfare, and the social and ecological impacts of agricultural systems. Its definition is multifaceted and varies greatly according to spatial, temporal, and sociocultural processes.

Consuming organic food might entail a critique of intensive food systems. It can be perceived as a “beacon,” which illuminates the failings of mainstream agricultural production and promotes an alternative way of consuming and producing food that is socially, ethically, environmentally, and economically sound. It can be associated with countercultures of food consumption and production, an ethics of care (for both humans and nonhumans), a turn to quality food, and also with increasing levels of reflexivity in contemporary ...