The Struggle of Honest Organic Farmers: Why Looks Aren’t Everything
On 19th of December of 2024, I had a conversation with a honest organic farmer and he shared some frustrations that really got me thinking. He’s upset about how urban consumers often value appearance over authenticity, especially when it comes to organic produce. Unfortunately, many consumers who are looking for “organic” food have been conditioned to expect perfectly uniform, picture-perfect produce. And because of that, the honest, organically grown crops—despite being healthier and more sustainable—often get sold at a lower price.
Now, here’s the kicker: Some farmers have found a loophole in the system. They slap an "organic" label on produce that may not be entirely organic and use tricks to make their fruits and veggies look good, shiny, blemish-free, and “Instagram-ready.” And the sad part? These products often fetch twice the price of truly organic produce, simply because they look better on the shelf.
For farmers who are sticking to their guns and growing food the right way, this feels pretty unfair. They’re being penalized for their integrity, while the ones who cut corners are getting the bigger paychecks.
It’s a tough situation for honest organic farmers who feel like their hard work is being overshadowed by the focus on looks rather than the true value of organic food. Measure not by eyes, but by your gut as that is where it is used and not by eyes is what he commented. They want to grow food that’s healthy, sustainable, and good for the planet—but it’s hard to compete when the system rewards aesthetics over ethics.
Now, here’s the kicker: Some farmers have found a loophole in the system. They slap an "organic" label on produce that may not be entirely organic and use tricks to make their fruits and veggies look good, shiny, blemish-free, and “Instagram-ready.” And the sad part? These products often fetch twice the price of truly organic produce, simply because they look better on the shelf.
For farmers who are sticking to their guns and growing food the right way, this feels pretty unfair. They’re being penalized for their integrity, while the ones who cut corners are getting the bigger paychecks.
It’s a tough situation for honest organic farmers who feel like their hard work is being overshadowed by the focus on looks rather than the true value of organic food. Measure not by eyes, but by your gut as that is where it is used and not by eyes is what he commented. They want to grow food that’s healthy, sustainable, and good for the planet—but it’s hard to compete when the system rewards aesthetics over ethics.
