Organic growers cite high costs: Many doubt organic production is more economically stable

摘要

The greatest challenge to organic farming is the high cost of inputs, a survey of Washington organic farmers shows. Also of concern are high labor costs, labor shortages, and variable or low yields. Economic sustainability was one of the main reasonsproducers decided to farm organically, according to the survey, which was conducted by Dr. Jessica Goldberger, sociologist at Washington State University. However, only 48 percent said they thought organic production was more economically sustainable than conventional.