Children are a big reason for the growth in popularity of organic goods, according to major organic industry members who say parents concern for their offspring is increasing demand for organic.

“A substantial amount—up to a third—of our organic category is estimated to be consumed by a person under eight,” said Rick Carmont, brand category manager with the world’s leading dairy exporter, Fonterra.

Don Fraser, consultant to organic retailer Macro Wholefoods Market says consumer concern over food origins and ingredients has parents looking for certified organic alternatives.

“This willingness to invest in a child’s health is occurring despite the fact parents may not consume organic themselves,” he said. “Some mothers are buying two separate rounds of groceries—conventional product for themselves, but organically produced for their children,” said Fraser.

Monica Waters of Nourish Foods says parents are becoming more aware of a gap in healthy food availability for toddler and above aged children. “We built a line of kids organic snack food to cater to this. Our research showed while the baby food market is very highly regulated, when it came to food for slightly older children, additives, preservatives, colours and flavours began creeping in”.

Industry body the Biological Farmers of Australia said it is not surprised parents are more likely to buy organic. “Children are more vulnerable to food toxins than adults–hey have a larger intake of food per kilo of body weight and immature organs and detoxification and immune systems,” BFA spokesperson and nutritionist Shane Heaton said. “And a study released last year found young children exposed to certain preservatives and food colours are more prone to hyperactive tendencies.”

Fonterra’s Carmont said young children also are an influencing factor in many farmers’ decision to convert to organic production. “Particularly where a farming family’s child has health or allergy problems,” he says.