Why organic produce is more expensive than traditional produce
It’s a fact that organic produce – and organic food in general – tends to be more expensive than conventional produce. According to the Organic Trade Association, organic produce is usually priced about 20-25 percent higher than conventional produce, although exact cost differences vary by region and season. Here are some reasons organic produce often costs more.
- Since organic farmers don’t use chemicals like synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, their crops may yield less harvest than conventional crops. To make up for this crop yield loss, they may sell their product at a higher price.
- Many organic farms are small and cannot buy supplies, equipment and other resources in volume.
- Organic production is often more labor-intensive than conventional farming, as growers are required to meet strict criteria.
Why organic advocates feel organic produce is worth the extra moneyEven though your wallet may take a hit when you load your shopping cart with organic produce, advocates believe the extra cost is worth it.
Because organic produce is grown according to strict standards, advocates believe that consumers know exactly what they’re getting when they buy organic products. They also cite the risks that some studies link to pesticides and believe organic agriculture’s pesticide restrictions are better for our health.
Many proponents also believe that organic agriculture is environmentally friendly and encourages good stewardship of the land. They say that organic farming respects our water supply (by eliminating the use of chemicals that may contaminate groundwater)
| COMMODITY | Conventional price | Organic price | | apples | $1.49/lb. | $1.69/lb. |
| broccoli | $1.99 | $2.49 |
| cantaloupe | $2.00 | $2.99 |
| cauliflower | $2.99 | $4.99 |
| celery hearts | $2.29 | $2.69 |
| cucumber | $1.50 | $1.89 |
| grape tomatoes (1 pint) | $2.50 | $2.99 |
| green onions (2 bunches) | $1.00 | $1.49 |
| green peppers | $2.49/lb. | $2.99/lb. |
| leeks | $3.59/lb. | $3.59/lb. |
| lemon | $0.99 | $1.89 |
| lettuce (1 head) | $0.99 | $1.99 |
| mushrooms (8 oz. package) | $1.99 | $2.39 |
| red grapes | $1.99/lb. | $2.39/lb. |
| red peppers | $4.99/lb. | $5.99/lb. |
| seedless watermelon | $5.99 | $5.99 |
| tomatoes on the vine | $2.29/lb. | $2.69/lb. |
* This chart reflects non-sale prices at two major supermarket chains in the Detroit area in June 2007. Prices at your local supermarket may be different, as costs can vary greatly by season, location and store. |
and is an example of humans working with nature (by the use of such techniques as crop rotation and cover crops). Also, many exotic varieties of food are grown organically, so proponents say that organic farming helps promote plant diversity.
Other proponents believe that organic farming helps keep small farms – and therefore rural communities – alive.
Cost of organic produce
So now you know why organic produce often costs more. But just how much more are we talking about? Check out this chart for an example* of cost differences between organic and traditional produce for 17 popular commodities.
