Why Does Organic, Farm Fresh Food Cost More?

Many people seeking to include more natural foods in their diets are shocked at the prices for raw milk, organic produce, pastured eggs and poultry, and grass-fed beef compared to similar items at the grocery store. But just like everything else, when it comes to food, you get what you pay for.

For example, a gallon of organic milk purchased at Whole Foods is about $6/gallon. All that for pasteurized, grain-fed milk that contains little of the nutritional power of farm fresh raw milk. This is because pasteurized milk has been excessively heated to kill bacteria—including the beneficial ones—while destroying vital enzymes, vitamins and nutrients. On top of that, many people may have hidden allergies to this pasteurized milk.

Have you ever been to a feedlot or conventional chicken operation? The current food system in the United Sates is appalling. It is based on food predicated on cheaply grown grain, deplorable animal living conditions and environmental degradation. This is where your “cheap” food is grown.

Food from small farms represents the true cost of food as opposed to the industrial system which we as taxpayers pay for (with farm subsidies) that artificially keeps the prices low. Small farmers work long days and must support their families on the products they produce.

Small farms must also take into account the unsubsidized cost of land (it takes more space to raise animals humanely), higher cost of organic feed (which doesn’t contain GMO grains or chemicals), cost of implementing a soil fertility program, smaller production from 100% grass-fed and pasture-raised animals that have access to fresh air, sunshine and a more natural life.

Now we come to the good part.  Naturally raised foods provide more nutrition. Animal and plant foods produced on factory farms lack the basic nutrients needed to sustain a healthy life, such as adequate vitamin D, omega-3s, calcium and so much more.  Animals raised on pasture are treated humanely and are well cared for.

Though farm fresh food may cost more in the long run it could save you from paying expensive medical bills to treat illness and disease. Eating naturally raised foods may also help you live a longer, more enjoyable life. And who can put a price on that?