Final answer:
The term 'organic' refers to foods grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers in supermarkets, while in biochemistry, it pertains to carbon-containing compounds. The increased demand for healthier options and higher income levels explain the higher cost of organic food. Organic farming practices and organic chemistry are quite distinct despite using the same term.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term organic indeed has different meanings in different contexts. In supermarkets, organic food refers to products grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers and meeting specific standards set by the USDA, emphasizing natural processes and the non-use of most synthetic substances. In contrast, organic chemistry refers to the chemistry of carbon-containing compounds, irrespective of their method of production or whether they come from living organisms.
Organic agriculture not only avoids the use of synthetic substances to be more environment-friendly but also aligns with a growing consumer preference for healthier and safer food options. This shifting preference, along with increased income levels allowing the purchase of more expensive products, explains why organic foods tend to be more costly than conventional ones due to the higher demand and more labor-intensive production methods.
Despite the differences in definitions, the popularity of organic foods has increased significantly, leading to their widespread availability in mainstream grocery stores beyond specialty stores or farmers' markets. Thus, organic has become a significant term in both consumers' diets and chemical science.