Is Organic Too Expensive???

[Greg]

Hi everyone,

Not sure if any of you read this story on BBC News a few days back...
BBC NEWS | England | Shropshire | Farmers leave organic food trade

But it does beg the question, is Organic produce too expensive?

Personally I would love to buy all organic produce, but very rarely get the chance as the price markup the supermarkets seem to have is so big! My question is this a case of the big shops trying to cash in on what they see as a trend? Or is Organic really that much more expensive to produce in the first place?

Interested to know whether this is happening across the Country or if it just isolated to the Shropshire area?! Have you previously been buying organic produce and had to stop due to increasing prices on food in general?

Opinions please!
Greg

[Andy]

This is a question that pops up quite alot on forums of this nature.

Originally Posted by Greg

...is this a case of the big shops trying to cash in on what they see as a trend? Or is Organic really that much more expensive to produce in the first place?

Personally, I think its a bit of both. Organic food does take more to produce as the yields tend to be lower than normal crops. This means there will be a certain mark up. This being said I do feel the likes of Tesco/Sainsbury's et al see this market growing and decide they want a slice.

I fear we may see a decline in the market in general as the purse strings tighten

[Mike]

This is one that I am personally torn on.

I can see the argument from both sides. I feel that supermarkets do take advantage somewhat, but then for them to drop their prices would require them to sting farmers again.

[OnlyFair]

Originally Posted by Mike

This is one that I am personally torn on.

I can see the argument from both sides. I feel that supermarkets do take advantage somewhat, but then for them to drop their prices would require them to sting farmers again.

I agree with you on this one. Although, I would say that not all organic items are more expensive and if they are, its sometimes only by a few pence. Having said that, sometimes a few pence can make a huge difference to people on a tight income.

If I buy meat from the supermarket I do try to get organic. Having said that, I try to avoid doing this and tend to use a local butcher who does everything himself. The meat is of a better quality and I know that the animals are well cared for.

Other items tend to be a mix of organic and "normal", it depends on what they are. Would love to be able to buy organic only but its just not feasible at the moment.

Sorry - I think this post might be all over the place! :)

[gavlar]

We try to buy organic meats where possible, some things i think go too far, like organic loo roll?! As long as its recycled thats good enough for me.

Our policy at home is Organic if we can afford, Free range if we cant, no meat if neither!

[markps]

I agree with this comment, I agree that Organic and Eco goods are expensive, and prices should be reduced so producers can increase volume, reduce price further and may products more widely available and affordable.

However as this my not happen my family and I carry out a lot of our shopping at www.moreeco.com where you can earn rewards from shopping with leading brands. They also have a latest offers section which is a double wammy!