Comparison of conventional / ecological retail prices

The economic downturn in the German economy inhibited consumer demand for organically produced food last year; sales increased only slightly. Because organic food is usually significantly more expensive than conventional goods. In 2003, one kilogram of conventionally produced braised beef cost an average of 8,55 euros. According to ZMP surveys, consumers paid an average of 14,74 euros per kilogram for the same product from organic production, i.e. a good 70 percent more. The price differences for pork were even greater. In the case of fruit and vegetables, too, consumers often have to calculate surcharges of more than 50 percent for organic products. But there are also articles for which the “eco surcharge” is quite limited. For example, one liter of fresh organic whole milk in a deposit bottle cost an average of EUR 1,03 last year, which is only 18 percent more than for the comparable conventional product.

Source: Bonn [ZmP]