Business · Economy · 5 hrs ago
Swiss organic farmers explain why their products cost more
Gala organic apples cost 4.80 Swiss francs per kilo at Migros and Coop, 64 to 71 percent more than conventional apples.
Swiss organic farmers say the higher prices reflect extra work and more expensive farm supplies, including organic feed and fertiliser.
Weeding can require extensive hand labour, while machinery that could reduce the work is costly.
Farmers also face losses when crops are small or damaged, because some produce sells for less even though it took time and money to grow.
A farmer’s example shows that harvesting only a third of a normal potato crop can mean the same sales revenue even at three times the price.
Retailers say Migros and Coop do not earn more from organic products, and the higher shop price also covers handling and distribution.
The farmers say good years can bring a decent income, but they must absorb the financial strain of poor harvests.
Gala organic apples cost 4.80 Swiss francs per kilo at Migros and Coop, 64% to 71% more than conventionally grown apples.
Swiss organic farmers say higher prices help cover extra labour, more expensive inputs and crop losses.
Farmers also face costs from hand weeding, organic fertilisers, inspections and certification.
A poor harvest can leave farmers with fewer saleable products while many production costs remain.
Migros and Coop say they do not earn more from organic products.
- Who
- Swiss organic farmers, including Frédéric Zosso and Martin Harder, explain their costs; Migros and Coop also comment.
- What
- Farmers say organic products cost more to produce because of extra labour, costly inputs and harvest risks.
- When
- Not stated
- Where
- Switzerland, including Cournillens, Niederbüren and Migros and Coop stores.
- Why
- Organic production can require more labour and costly inputs, while crop losses reduce the amount farmers can sell.
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- Gala organic apples
- 4.80 Swiss francs per kilo at Migros and Coop
- Price difference
- 64% to 71% more than conventionally grown Gala apples
- Conventional potatoes
- Farmers receive about 40 centimes per kilo
- Organic potatoes
- Farmers receive 90 centimes to 1 Swiss franc per kilo
- Organic fertiliser
- Nitrogen fertilisation with commercial organic fertiliser can cost more than 1,100 francs per hectare
- Blueberry weeding
- 200 or more hours of manual labour per hectare
What people are saying
Ich jammere nicht über den Preis. Ich bin zufrieden.
Nee, für Brokkoli zahl ich nicht 18 Franken