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The natural and organic pork market: A sustainable niche for small-scale producers? A review and analysis of the evidence

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  30 October 2009

W. Parker Wheatley
W. Parker Wheatley
Affiliation:
Department of Applied Economics, University of Minnesota, 316 Classroom-Office Building, St. Paul, MN 55108 (whea0025@umn.edu).
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Abstract

This study reviews the literature on consumer preferences and willingness to pay for pork produced through alternative methods, such as natural and organic production, It finds evidence suggesting that many consumers are willing to pay relatively high premiums for natural and organic pork. Furthermore, research is found which suggests that such premiums can be expected to persist into the foreseeable future. This study also investigates the degree to which such premiums are transmitted to pork producers and finds anecdotal evidence suggesting that natural and organic pork producers receive modest premiums as well as more stable pricing overall. This paper then discusses the marketing efforts needed and impediments to supplying the natural and organic markets for pork. The overall perspective provided by this paper is that natural and organic production may be viable alternatives to more capital-intensive production for many small-scale producers.

Keywords

consumer preferencesconsumer willingness to payniche marketingprice premiums
Type
Research Article
Information
American Journal of Alternative Agriculture , Volume 18 , Issue 1 , March 2003 , pp. 18 - 26
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2003

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