Expensive Organic Milk

Posted by Jill Harris Jun 19, 2008

I was going to write about how it has finally become financially viable for dairy farmers to switch from conventional to organic production. I went to the grocery store first – and the price of milk is Up, with a capital “U’.

At my local chain store, two litres of organic milk would set me back about six dollars; nearly 50% more than convetionally-produced milk. I support organic farming when I can, especially when it comes to animal products like milk and eggs. If there is extra cost associated with treating animals more humanely (giving them more space, natural grazing/feeding, and antibiotics only when absolutely necessary) then to me, the cost is justified.

But why have prices spiked?

Is it the world food “crisis”, resulting from increased competition for grains? It is my understanding that organic cows are “free range”, munching on a natural diet of grass. Has the price of grass gone up, too?

To temper the steep price increases, I can either resort entirely to conventional alternatives or change my diet. I will probably change my diet. Less milk, definitely less cheese, less junk food and more beans and vegetables will be on the menu. At least some vegetarian staples remain price-steady. Of course, I won’t sacrifice nutrition for price.

It has become “economically viable” for dairy farmers to switch to organic methods because decreased production per cow is offset by eliminating the cost of chemicals and fertilizers.

That’s good in the long run, because it should drive prices down. But for now at least, I can’t imagine feeding a family on it. There is no better time than the present to reduce consumption of animal products like meat and milk, or to take the plunge into vegetarianism or veganism. Money is an excellent motivator.

Reference: Going organic eventually pays off (Toronto Star).