One of the main topics in the organics versus conventional food conversation is that it’s not cheap. But consider that Americans spend less than 10% of their income on food (outside and at home combined), down from about 18% in 1960. Moreover, Americans spend on average less on food than 83 other countries worldwide.
You wouldn’t argue that a simple plastic or canvas handbag should cost a lot less than a well-made leather bag. It goes without saying that the leather bag will last for many years, while the canvas or plastic bag will tear and deteriorate much faster. Quality materials and craftsmanship cost more because we obviously value them higher. Translate that into food and who would argue that food grown on a small farm without toxic pesticides and chemical fertilizer should cost more? It is natural that an artisanal cheese from a small farm made in small batches costs a lot more per pound than a factory made cheddar cheese made on an assembly line in huge quantities.
How you spend your money is a question of values and priorities. To me, nothing is more important than what I put into my body. My life depends on it.
