Organic Growers Feeling the Crunch

Organic Growers Feeling the Crunch

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Story Published: Aug 20, 2008 at 5:33 PM PST

By Audrey Asistio

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YAKIMA -- Katsumi Taki moved to Wapato twelve years ago. During that time, business in Yakima County was great for him.
But now, he's barely getting by.

"This year, gasoline is expensive. So everything is costs more expensive" says Taki.

He says he has to drive to California, Seattle and Portland to make money. Seventy-five percent of his customers are from there.
His organic orchards are expensive to maintain, so he's obligated to pass that on to customers.

Taki sells his apples for $2.75 a pound.
Grocery stores sell theirs for $1.52 a pound.
Compare those prices to your local farm that charges only $.80 a pound.

Taki's cherries cost even more. He sells them for $6.00 a pound.
Stores sell theirs for $3.48 a pound.
The cheapest cherries come from the local farms at only $2.80 a pound.

Katsumi says the nutrients of one organic fruit is equal to six non-organic fruits. He says this could save you more in the long run

But it's hard for people to look at their waist line when the bottom line is the trouble.
Joslyn Moses used to buy organic foods, but he says they are too expensive right now.

Taki owns one of the last organic farms in Yakima County.
He hopes to ride out these tough times and keep the farm open.

Farmers who don't grow organic food say their produce is equally nutritious to organic foods.
They say they can sell their produce for a lot cheaper because they are able to grow a larger amount.

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