If more locally grown organic foods were on store shelves in the prairies, would you purchase it?

Question

We are now aware of what is happening in the world with global warming. Our enviorment in Saskatchewan has significantly changed over the past 50 years. Our growing season has therefore been extended.
These changes we are experiencing increase our ability to deversify the family farm and the way we are marketing what we produce. By growing organic fruits and vegtables locally, it would reduce the produce cost, be more readily available, and a healthier choice. Over 1/3 of what we pay is for transportation costs, and 1/3 goes into ''preserving" or "maintaining" its freshness CHEMICALS!
As Saskatchewans economical developments in the gas and oilfield are increasing so is its population, there is a greater demand for food here. Why not supply it, we have the resources.

Answer 1

People only purchase food that is the least expensive. I do not believe that organic is necessarily the answer. Perhaps you could try some sort of "agri-tainment" operation. I am not sure how close you are to one of the larger centres (Saskatoon or Regina) but nowadays more people spend money on experiences over food. You could grow local produce but also have a "pick-your-own" portion, a cooking class that teaches people recipies using your produce, a tea house that entices people to spend more time on your farm, etc.

As you said, most of the money is gained through local promotion of products, try to promote a local brand. This is being done in Northeastern Ontario - they are starting a local brand for the beef grown in the region. Another example that most Canadians have heard of is Taber corn. Try to create a similar idea.

Good luck in finding your marketing oppourtunity.

Answer 2

I don't know about Saskatchewan specifically, but I always opt for the organic over the other produce every time. I can't stand the thought of all those chemicals--and as far as meat goes, it's even worse. I can't believe how voluptuous young girls are now! It's because of the growth hormones, etc in all the meat and dairy. I think that has to be so detrimental to long term health.

I'm sure if your stores offered more organic choices (locally grown, even better) you'd have no problem selling your produce! Good luck!

Answer 3

I try to buy organic when possible, the fresher the better of course. The problem is that it is so expensive. W e don't make enough income to purchase all organic, even though that is definitely what I prefer to feed my children. I usually end up buying half the groceries organic. I'm looking forward to the day when we can afford to go totally organic. I beleive that most of the world's problems with health, has to do with all the additives being put into our bodies. It would be wonderful if there were organiclly grown local produce here, but we live in a small town, and there is only one place available that I know of. The price of their vegetables are 3x the cost of the ones in the store, though. It's sad, because I need to feed my 5 children, but have to resort mostly to grocery store food because we cannot afford to live the healthy life we desire. But we are moving up financially, and it'll happen one day.

Answer 4

Organically grown fruits and vegetables are my first choice while shopping. But, due to a limited income, I cannot always buy the more expensive products.
Fortunately, I have two farmer friends who raise totally organic vegetables, fruits, and dairy. They will barter, give freely, or sell their products.
If more people would "go organic" the price would probably become such that more people would be able to afford it.
No matter what area you live in, there will be a certain demand for organically grown products, including meats, eggs, and dairy.

Answer 5

I would love to go all organic on everything but as an older person (limited Budget) Organic costs 3 times what everything else does. Demand doesn't exactly equal supply here.

Answer 6

Yes! First off- Organic foods are better for you, 2nd- They taste better, and 3rd- If it's grown locally you might actually have a chance to see where and how they tend to their crops.