Business · Energy & Commodities · 6 hrs ago
Organic premiums fail to cover costs across the food supply chain
A Wageningen University study found that the extra money consumers pay for organic food does not cover the costs of producing and selling it.
The research was commissioned by the Dutch Authority for Consumers and Markets, known as the ACM.
As a result, almost everyone in the chain from farm to plate loses money.
The ACM says less demanding sustainability programmes usually work out better for farmers.
It wants these programmes promoted abroad too.
One example it gives is a sustainable version of Frau Antje, though no further details are provided.
Consumer premiums for organic products do not cover costs, according to a study by Wageningen University.
The study was commissioned by the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM).
As a result, almost everyone in the food supply chain, from farmers to retailers, makes a loss.
The ACM says less far-reaching sustainability programmes usually work out better for farmers.
It says such programmes should also be encouraged abroad.
- Who
- Wageningen University conducted the study for the ACM.
- What
- The study found that consumer premiums for organic products do not cover costs, leaving almost everyone in the supply chain with a loss.
- When
- The article was published on 26 October 2026.
- Where
- Not stated.
- Why
- The premiums consumers pay for organic products are not enough to cover costs.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Study author
- Wageningen University
- Commissioning body
- Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM)
- Finding
- Organic premiums do not cover costs
- Supply chain impact
- Almost everyone from farmer to retailer makes a loss
1 source
What people are saying
Less far-reaching sustainability programmes usually work out better for farmers and should also be encouraged abroad