Some people have a hard time switching to organic or natural food products because they know these items are more expensive than what they’re used to paying. However, there are also reasons that make switching to them difficult and inevitable for some people. Here are five of the most important reasons why it’s so difficult to switch and what you can do about it!
- Organic foods are not always available in all grocery stores. (i.e.: some organic food is harder to find than non-organic food). According to National Geographic, organic food products are not as readily available as non-organic products. This is mostly because there may not be enough people into the organic food trend yet for stores to stock as many items. If you live in a small town, the options might be more limited. If you live in a larger city, your chances of finding organic food will be greater. If you live in a place where grocery stores carry certified organic products, the store may stock different items than what you’re used to. However, if you have to travel to another town to find that item, not only is it going to cost money but also time and effort.
- Organic food is more expensive than non-organic food. According to Today Show, before someone switches over to organic foods they usually can’t afford it at first. In contrast, non-organic foods are often more readily available and cheaper. For example, “conventional” (non-organic) milk is often bought at a lower cost than organic milk products such as cow’s milk (featured in the below picture).
- It takes time to learn how to shop and keep up with the ingredients and labels that you’re supposed to read when buying organic products. That’s why it’s so great that there are resources online.” According to The Huffington Post, it often takes people a while to learn how to shop for organic products and become familiar with them. However, there are websites that can help you along the way such as the non-profit site called Organic Consumers Association. You can also find more information on different labels and shopping tips online.
- It’s harder to find organic foods in restaurants than in stores. “Restaurants have been slow to adapt to the changing market. However, this is starting to change, and now you can find some organic options in restaurants. For example, the Panera Bread chain has over 1,600 locations across the country.” According to “Delish”, many restaurants didn’t start switching over to organic food until recently because it’s costlier than non-organic items. However, many restaurants now have a few organic options on their menus.
- Organic foods are not always sustainable enough for everyone to follow them all the time. “If you’re not going organic, try to choose the most sustainable products possible.” According to “Delish”, some people can’t afford to always follow a completely organic diet. Instead, they compromise by shopping at the local farmers’ market and purchasing the most sustainable items that they can find. For example, in late summer and early fall, many farmers sell organic fresh sweet corn for a price that is cheaper than something you’d buy at the grocery store.
While there are certainly specific challenges in adopting the organic lifestyle, they are not impossible to overcome. If you really want the health benefits of organic foods, there are ways to find them and ways to make them affordable – as we’ve discussed in this article. So, make the mind switch to organic and get ready to reap the countless health, intellectual and financial benefits that come along with it.
FAQs
Why are people switching to organic?
People are switching to organic farming because of concerns over the use of pesticides and chemicals in traditional farming methods.
Why is organic farming more difficult?
Organic farming is more difficult because it requires more manual labor and relies on natural pest control methods.
Why is farming so difficult?
Farming in general is difficult due to unpredictable weather patterns, pests, and the overall cost of production.
What are the solutions to organic farming?
Solutions to organic farming include crop rotation, companion planting, and the use of natural pest control methods.
How is organic farming cultivated?
Organic farming is cultivated using natural fertilizers and pest control methods, without the use of synthetic chemicals or genetic modification.
What are the threats to the organic food industry?
Threats to the organic food industry include competition from conventional farming methods, pollution, and the cost of production.
