The Debate Continues - Why Organic? Did you see those Prices!

In follow up to our recent post regarding the average consumer’s attitude about organic foods and primarily their prices, I thought it would be beneficial to do some deeper research and provide the Laredo and Overall community audience with more facts about organic foods, processes and prices.

We have all heard at some point, whether it be from TV news, commercials, documentaries, health nutritionists, CrossFit coaches, Carmen or myself, stress why Organic is so much better - not only for the consumer, but for our environment. However, I understand doubt may remain in our minds regarding organic foods and their PRICES especially when it involves our money.

Now don’t get me wrong; I am not here to tell you that you MUST buy organic, but rather I am trying to stress to you the importance of organic. I will be explaining the price differences & why’s; educating and share information about organic processes and at the end hopefully provide you with enough information to make an educated, informed decision as to why you should begin to make a gradual transition towards organic when possible. It will benefit your families, environment and you!

So let’s begin!

In the following sections I've pulled credible research for you to show:

1. Why organic is better
2. Price differences – on the AVG – between organic and conventional; and
3. Why is organic more expensive

Organic Is Better Because:

• Studies have linked pesticide exposure to cancers, neurological damage as well as birth defects and even possible early onset of Parkinson's.
• Choosing fresh, organic ingredients you'll not only lower the amounts of toxic pesticides in your body, but also halves your levels of bisphenol A and phthalates, both of which can alter your hormones.
• Supporting organic farmers reduces the amount of pesticides, such as atrazine, that enter our waterways where they harm aquatic life and end up in our drinking water supplies.
• Sustaining and helping organic farms grow also provides habitats for many more species than conventional agriculture. Among those animals that benefit are song birds, which thrive on insects found in organic fields.
• Organic agriculture also helps fight global warming: Organic agriculture can bind 1,000 lbs of carbon per acre, whereas conventional agriculture increases carbon in the atmosphere.

Price Differences:
*These are some of the items that are most common (excluding meats & poultries)

Food
Organic Price
Conventional 

Asparagus
$4.99
$2.99

Avocado
$2.99
$1.99

Sweet Peas
$1.59
$1.59

Grapefruit
$2.49
$0.89

Onions (Y)
$1.29
$0.99

Sweet Corn
$2.89
$1.69

Pineapple
$5.99
$3.99

Fuji Apple x4
$4.89
$3.89

Bell Pepper
$4.99/lb.
$1.99

Carrots
$1.99/bag
$.89

Celery
$3.99
$3.49

Why is Organic more expensive!?
Organic products are generally more expensive than their conventional counterparts (for which prices have been declining) for a number of reasons:

• Organic food supply is limited as compared to demand;
• Production costs for organic foods are typically higher because of greater labor inputs per unit of output 
• Post-harvest handling of relatively small quantities of organic foods results in higher costs because of the mandatory segregation of organic and conventional produce, especially for processing and transportation;
• Marketing and the distribution chain for organic products is relatively inefficient and costs are higher because of relatively small volumes.

As demand for organic food and products is increasing, technological innovations and economies of scale should reduce costs of production, processing, distribution and marketing for organic produce.

Prices of organic foods include not only the cost of the food production itself, but also a range of other factors that are not captured in the price of conventional food, such as:

• Environmental enhancement and protection (and avoidance of future expenses to mitigate pollution). For example, higher prices of organic cash crops compensate for low financial returns of rotational periods which are necessary to build soil fertility;
• Higher standards for animal welfare;
• Avoidance of health risks to farmers due to inappropriate handling of pesticides (and avoidance of future medical expenses);
• Rural development by generating additional farm employment and assuring a fair and sufficient income to producers.

So, what do you think? Are you convinced yet? At the least, I hope the above information opened your curiosity to whether organic consumption as a whole is better than non-conventional. There are many articles and blogs out in the internet that have so many contradicting theories. Here’s one in particular that I think wraps it up best:

In addition to simply buying “organic”, you may want to consider seeking out sources of produce close to where you live. Although buying local fruits and vegetables from smaller farms does not always mean you are buying organic, that is often the case. In addition, the closer to the source of your fruits and vegetables you are, the more likely they are to be fresh. In addition, freshness has a direct impact on nutritional value and taste. An added benefit is that buying locally supports your local economy.
Virtually everyone could improve their health by eating more vegetables and fruit that is organic. When you are deciding whether to buy organic products, multiple factors beyond just health considerations may influence your decision. I recommend that you make your choices based on the factors that are important to you.

I hope that the information provided to you by Poppi & Sons served as valuable help and we will continue to share interesting, informative articles about the benefits of organic produce, living and culture. We want the best for you, your family and our community’s future. We look forward to hearing your comments. Please share our FB page and blog with your friends and loved one’s and please make sure to visit us at the upcoming Laredo Farmer’s Market on August 17th, 2013 for more organic tips and goodies!

“Plant, Produce, Eat & Be Healthy”