Farm to Table...

After months of bad financial news, it comes as no surprise, the economy is making us second-guess every purchase we make, from a new car to a loaf of bread. As Alternet.org reported, The Nielsen Company found that organic food sales increased only 4 percent in the month that ended in early October, compared to a 20 percent growth in previous years. In the current economy, any growth could be considered good, but such a dramatic drop shows just how much impact the economy has on food purchasing. And, considering that organics cost at least 50 percent more than conventional foods (according to Alternet.org), it’s no wonder that they’re the first to go when we start pinching pennies.

If you’re still buying organics, take heart. That price increase is for good reason:  

1. Organic food is more expensive to produce because farmers have to spend more time growing it without fertilizers and pesticides.
2.  When you buy organics, you’re often supporting small farmers that don’t have the cost-saving benefits of growing food using economies of scale.
3. Right now, more people want to buy organics, so demand is greater than supply, which drives prices up.
4. Organics don’t benefit from farm subsidies. When you calculate how much you spend on a conventional batch of produce, factor in tax dollars that go back to farmers in the form of subsidies and the cost difference will definitely shrink.

But, you don’t need to give up on organics just yet. Here are Alternet’s suggestions for buying organic during tough economic times:

1. There are certain fruits and veggies that are best bought organic. Here’s the complete list from Delicious Organics.

2. Join a co-op, you’ll put in a few hours of volunteer time each week and will save on food expenses. Use this Co-op Directory to find one near you.

3. Shop around to find the best prices and buy local when you can.

4. And, of course, grow your own. Here’s how to grow herbs on a windowsill.

Photo from TreeHugger.com.