Hard To Eat Organic on Budget

TORONTO - Apr 6/06 - SNS -- Surveys conducted for companies who sell farm chemicals has found it costs around 40% more to buy organic vegetables in retail outlets in Ontario.

The price comparison was conducted by research firm Pollara Inc., and found that the same list of veggies (such as lettuce, carrots, broccoli and potatoes) cost anywhere from 38% to 43.5% more when only the organic varieties were purchased.

Almost 80% of Canadian women with young children who responded to a recent Pollara public opinion survey agreed that it's a challenge to provide healthy, nutritious food for their families while sticking to their household budget. According to Statistics Canada, the average Ontarian spends about $125 a week on groceries, with roughly nine dollars of that total going toward buying vegetables.

"The best thing moms can do is to make sure they're providing their families with the five to ten servings of fresh fruits and vegetables per day recommended by Canada's Food Guide," said Registered Dietitian Lois Ferguson.

"If they choose to do that with organic produce - and can afford to do so, then great. But there shouldn't be any misconceptions: conventionally-grown produce is equally nutritious and safe, and much more affordable. It's important that price not be a barrier to a diet that's rich in fresh vegetables and fruits," Ferguson said.