Different studies have determined that the main reason many farmers have decided not to cultivate organic crops is because of their cost-production ratio.
This, despite the product's popularity. It affects biodynamic oils, all kinds of organic fruits and vegetables, and even organic wine. Each and every one of them have high costs when compared to their performance.
Factors that lead to a poor cost-production ratio
Two of the most important factors that increase costs are the cost of the material needed for the crop and the time that organic products need to be ready to be marketed.
Organic farming is much more expensive than traditional farming. Traditional farmers can use fertilizers and pesticides, among other chemical products, that are very cheap due because of the multiple patents there are for these products and the many companies that produce them. Meanwhile, organic producers have to invest more money as they can only use organic products.
In addition, the growth process of fruits and vegetables can be accelerated in traditional agriculture. Something that organic agriculture doesn't do, as one of its principles is to respect the natural rhythm of the crops. Thus, investing in organic crops can seem counter-productive. Traditional agriculture can harvest the same product several times a year while organic agriculture can't.
This is having a clear consequence. Producers who have opted for organic agriculture are demanding subsidies and aid to the different competent organisms. According to them, organic production must be strengthened in the short and medium term so as to have a higher quality and more sustainable agriculture that can be profitable in the future.
Source: Comunica