Organic and Conventionally Farmed Food Costs

Summary of Organic Food Prices in Canada
December 2002 to January 2004

Most consumers notice the price premium for organic foods, however there is
little information documenting the difference in prices. The Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada (OACC) conducted price comparisons for 20 organic and
conventionally farmed foods in four major Canadian cities (Halifax, Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver) from November, 2002 to January, 2004. Organic foods consistently had higher costs. This information was used to compare price discrepancies over one year by averaging four of the 19 available food costings. Organic food price discrepancies are estimated to be:

NOTE: There were inconsistencies in foods and unit sizes priced. For example, cheese size varied from 100 g to 900 g. Oat cereal included slow cooking or quick cooking oats purchased in bulk or different package sizes. For this reason, this information should be used cautiously.

Table Summary of Organic Food Prices in Canada, December 2002 to January 2004 (PDF)