Q — For many years, I have been careful to buy only organically grown produce. Unfortunately, organic fruits and vegetables are becoming more and more expensive than the non-organic version. I’m convinced that organic foods taste better and are overall healthier. I‘m also concerned about health risks posed by pesticides, fertilizers and other agricultural pollutants. However, I begin to wonder whether the difference in quality is worth the ever increasing costs.

A — Yes, there is a significant price difference between organically and non-organically grown produce.

Whether it’s worth it to spend that much more money is a matter of personal choice.

Since I cannot address all the pros and cons of organic versus regular farm products, let me just make a few remarks: Limiting your exposure to toxic chemicals, whether they stem from pesticides, fertilizers or unsound animal farming methods, is always a good idea and, if necessary, worth the extra investment.

However, “organic” does not automatically mean “safe,” it does not even have to mean “healthy.”

You can buy “organic” crackers or cookies – that does not make them more nutritionally beneficial than others.

I personally prefer to buy foods that are locally grown, or use sustainable farming methods.

Why? Because it gives me a chance to meet my food suppliers directly.

By developing personal relationships with local farmers at the farmers market or by visiting their farms, I’m in a much better position to judge the quality of the food I’m buying.

Buying directly from the source also eliminates the middleman, making the prices more affordable.

Timi Gustafson is the author of “The Healthy Diner – How to Eat Right and Still Have Fun.”