Organic food: Why is it more expensive?

Hands exchanging red bell peppers among other fresh organic food and BIO products.

European consumers are showing an increasing interest in certified organic food. As studies by the European Commission (Eurobarometer 2024) indicate, 56% of EU citizens already recognize the EU organic farming logo (the Euro-leaf) [1]. However, price remains the main barrier to purchase. An EFSA report shows that the cost of the product is the most important food choice criterion for Europeans (indicated by 60% of respondents) [2]. What exactly causes the higher price of BIO food compared to conventional products?

Labor-intensive organic production and soil care

In EU organic farming, natural processes are a priority, which requires a significantly higher input of human labor. For instance, strict EU bans on the use of synthetic herbicides mean that weed removal is often done mechanically or manually. The lack of artificial fertilizers stimulating rapid growth forces farmers to use complex crop rotation and natural fertilization. Consequently, these processes directly translate into higher production costs for organic food.

Yield differences and the price of organic food

Conventional agriculture utilizes methods designed to maximize crop yields per hectare, ensuring a high volume of food supply. In contrast, the production of certified organic food focuses primarily on maintaining natural life cycles and protecting biodiversity. Because organic systems do not use synthetic growth stimulators, scientific studies show that yields are on average 20% to 30% lower than in conventional farms [3]. As a result, this naturally lower supply per hectare directly increases the unit production cost of the final BIO product.

Animal welfare and the price of certified food

Moreover, production ethics are the foundation of European organic farming. Animals on BIO farms are completely excluded from the intensive farming systems. Specifically, according to the guidelines, they are provided with:

  • constant access to open-air runs,
  • an appropriate, larger living space adapted to the species,
  • feeding exclusively with certified organic feed.

Furthermore, in accordance with European Union regulations, the preventive administration of antibiotics is prohibited in organic farming. Ultimately,building the natural immunity of the herd requires farmers to provide better living conditions, which directly generates higher farm maintenance costs.

The Euroleaf certificate – quality control costs and EU goals

The green Euroleaf logo guarantees the organic origin of products. In order for a producer to introduce certified food to the market, they must undergo a rigorous verification system. Importantly, audits cover every stage of the supply chain, which supports the implementation of the EU’s “Farm to Fork” strategy. This strategy assumes that by 2030, at least 25% of agricultural land in the EU will be managed organically [4]. Therefore, the regular certification process is a constant investment expense for farmers and processors.

Conscious shopping and the fight against food waste

Finally, choosing more expensive organic products is an element of sustainable consumption. A higher price is often a stimulus to change habits; therefore, it is worth shopping with a plan, choosing food produced in harmony with nature. For example, Eurostat data shows that approximately 59 million tonnes of food are wasted annually in the European Union, which averages 132 kg of wasted food per EU inhabitant [5]. Consequently, changing the approach to “less but more consciously” allows you to balance the household budget, providing financial space for organic items.

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