Jeffrey Odefey and Janelle Robbins
of Waterkeeper Alliance
It’s true – many times organic products are more expensive
than their non-organic counterparts. As market demand has grown over
the past decade, mainstream grocery stores have begun to carry organic
products – but often as specialty items, and priced accordingly.
The good news is that organic food is more widely available now than
ever before; the bad is that until the forces of supply and demand get
things under control, grocers will continue to command a higher price
for organic fruits, vegetables and other food.
As a rule, organic produce, meat and dairy simply cost more to produce
than their conventional counterparts. Because farmers don’t rely
on pesticides, for instance, they must do more hand weeding. Farming
organic also means farmers run a higher risk of losing all or part of
a year’s crop. Organic feed for cattle and other livestock can
cost twice as much as conventional feed.
But you can shop organic without breaking the bank. And with each organic
purchase you help keep real farmers on the land, and give a future to
thousands of rural families and communities. Living wages for farm families,
healthy rural communities and clean water are some of what you are buying
when you choose organic.
Back at the cash register, it’s important to realize that the non-organic
foods in the grocery store have extra costs that aren’t fairly
reflected in their prices. As a shopper you may not be paying these costs,
but as a taxpayer and citizen you certainly are.
Farmers’ markets are places where once, twice,
sometimes even four times a week, farms bring their goods to sell directly
to consumers. This is a great way to get fresh food and know that you
are directly supporting sustainable agriculture and the people who
work hard to preserve it. To find the market closest to you, check
out the USDA’s nationwide
list at: http://www.ams.usda.gov/farmersmarkets/map.htm
CSAs are community-run groups that bring neighbors together to support
a local farm. By paying for the entire season up front (not as expensive
as it sounds – normally less than what you’d spend at the
store) the community guarantees a farm’s income, so that the farmer
can concentrate on producing the best food to be delivered to the shareholders
each week. To find your local CSA, visit http://www.csacenter.org/statesfr.htm.
Food cooperatives are another great way to join others in your community
and together purchase better food at a lower cost. Some co-ops involve
volunteer work, others have varying levels of membership. Many co-ops
work directly with local farms to ensure fresh food for their members
as well as community support for farms. To find your local food co-op,
visit: http://www.coopdirectory.org/directory.htm
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