A survey of 1000 primary grocery shoppers found that 16 per cent of people who buy organic started to do so because of illness.
The initial survey results by researchers Mobium Group show Australian shoppers are motivated to change what they eat if they experience a health crisis.
It found that half of organic shoppers first bought organics because they became more aware of the positive impact organic food, fibre or cosmetics had on their personal health.
A further 32 per cent said that they first bought organics for environmental reasons and 25% because of animal welfare concerns associated with conventional food producing systems.
Chair of Australian Organic, Dr Andrew Monk, says this is the first time the organisation has asked people why they started to buy organic.
"Anecdotally we hear that people are motivated to switch to organic diets because of health reasons, but this is the first time we’ve measured it,” he said.
“The survey also shows that primary grocery buyers who would otherwise not consider buying sustainable goods, have significantly increased their consumption of organic products.
“This is a major and interesting shift. Overall consumption of organics is increasing and it appears the ‘late adopters’ are significant contributors to this growth.”
The not-for-profit organic certifier has also named October as Australian Organic Awareness Month.
During the month Australian Organic will be encouraging people who are timid to try organic products to purchase just one certified organic product.
It has signed on a number of ambassadors to support the campaign including celebrity chef Pete Evans; author and owner of Divine Beauty, Therese Kerr; the beauty chef Carla Oates; and the healthy chef, Teresa Cutter.
Australian shoppers are motivated to change what they eat if they experience a health crisis, according to research.
