Can organic help economic survival as a producer?
For most farmers, the question of profitability is usually at the forefront when considering a switch from conventional to organic dairying. Although once touted as a philosophical choice, for many farmers today, it is about economic survival as an agricultural producer. UVM Extension is conducting an ongoing two-year study examining at the economics of organic dairy production. First year results show that profit from organic dairying in 2004 wasn’t as high in 2004 as it had been previously, due in part to rising production costs per cow and comparatively strong prices for conventionally produced milk. The article notes, however, that economics don’t tell the whole story, and that organic production is what has made it possible for some small farms to stay in business at their current scale, as well as providing farmers with an improved quality of life.
For full story, please see:
http://www.thecountycourier.com/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=2819&Itemid
