Why, if there are fewer inputs used an the farm, is organic meat often more expensive?
Modern intensive farming techniques have been developed because the extra income they produce is worth much more than the cost of the inputs – you spend a little to gain a lot. To farm organically requires changes from modern intensive farming practices, including a minimal use of inputs, and often much lower production levels, resulting in lower income to the farmer. So, although organic farmers use fewer inputs, and so save some money, they also miss out on the much greater financial benefits and increased production levels of modem farming inputs. As a result, in order to remain financially viable, organic farmers must receive more for their produce than a conventional farmer. The more intensive conventional farming methods are, the more organic farmers need to receive to give them reasonable levels of income. For example, the premium on organic beef is much less than that for poultry.
