Organic Vs. Conventional Food

A Cost ComparisonBy Jennifer Kitchen

May 28, 2010

Conventional $/LB or each

Food Item & Price Difference

Organic $/LB or each

1.49# Fuji Apples.10#

1.59#

.69# Yellow Onions.26#

.95#

.75# Russet Potatoes.54#

1.29#

5.99# Asparagus.76#

6.75#

2.99# Tomatoes1.46#

4.45#

1.75 each Avocados.24 each

1.99 each

1.69 each Mangos.20 each

1.89 each

Ease or Challenge of Finding Organic Foods

Q. How easy was it to find organic produce?A. Finding organic produce is quite easy for me. I am

fortunate to have a great natural food store two blocks from my home. I buy most of my groceries at Zuma Natural Foods and they only sell organic.

Not everyone is close to a store that carries all organic and it can be challenging to find organics in a conventional grocery. Know what one is looking for can be helpful. The labels of "natural" , "all natural”, "free-range“, or "hormone-free does not mean the same thing as organic (Mayo Clinic, 2010).

Labeling of Organic FoodsQ. How are organic foods labeled?A. At Zuma I know all the produce is organic for they sell no conventional produce. They have a sign stating they only sell USDA certified organic. • Most grocery stores carry both conventional and organic.

– Food labeled "100% organic" contains no synthetic ingredients and can legally use the USDA organic seal.

– Food labeled "organic" has a minimum of 95% organic ingredients and does not qualify for the USDA organic seal.

– Food labeled "made with organic ingredients" must contain at least 70% organic ingredients and cannot carry the USDA organic seal.

• (MedicineNet.com, 2007).

Organic Produce In StockQ. Is Organic Produce in Stock at Local Grocers?A. Zuma Natural Foods has a variety of organic produce

and I make the majority of my produce purchases there. The P&D grocery store, across the street from Zuma, does carry some organic produce, alongside the conventional. – The local grocer does sell some organic prepackaged products – The local farmers’ market sells both conventional and organic

produce, and sets up in the park throughout the summer.

Rationale for Cost DifferenceA. Organic farmers;• Work harder and yield smaller crops

because they do not use pesticides.• Use beneficial insects and birds, to

keep pests down and to help plants thrive.

• Use natural fertilizers, like manure or compost, to feed soil and plants.

• Rotate crops, till, hand weed, and mulch to manage weeds.

• Give their animals organic feed. • Allow their animals access to the

outdoors. • Use preventive measures , like

rotational grazing, a balanced diet and clean housing, to help minimize disease in the animals they raise.

Q. What rationale can be used to explain cost difference to clients?

A. Conventional farmers;• Use chemical fertilizers to promote

larger crops.• Use chemical herbicides to kill weeds.• Use chemical insecticides to reduce

pests and disease.• Give animals antibiotics, growth

hormones, and medications to prevent disease and spur growth.

• Do not let their animals roam outside.(Mayo Clinic,

2010).

References

• Mayo Clinic, (2010). Organic foods: Are they safer? More nutritious? Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/organic-food/NU00255.

• MedicineNet.com (2007). Organic Food - Is 'Natural' Worth the Extra Cost? Retrieved from http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=52420.

• Pictures from Microsoft Office Program Clipart.• Stores visited: Zuma Naturals and P&D Grocery in Mancos,

CO