Seems everyone is nuts for organic these days. With the rising cost of food, the grocery bill can be pretty steep, even with the conventionally grown fruits and vegetables. If you have to prioritize, here is the list of 12 most contaminated fruits and vegetables ("the dirty dozen"). If you are picking and choosing between organic and conventional, make sure you buy these organic: Peaches, Celery, Apples, Sweet Bell Peppers, Cherries, Imported Grapes, Nectarines, Pears, Potatoes, Raspberries, Spinach, Strawberries.

There are actually a few organic farms in South Carolina. Though they aren’t all certified organic by the USDA, they follow organic farming practices. Check these out:

• Ambrose Family Farms (Charleston area)

• Barefoot Farms of Belton (Upstate)

• Bee Well Honey and Natural Market (Upstate)

• Crooked Cedar Farm (Columbia area)

• Five Leaves Farm (Columbia area)

I am sure there are others. You can check LocalHarvest for an extensive list of farms in your state.