In both instances the benefits of the pricing structure are largely pass
through from the consumer to the producer- the middle persons still make
their cut. In fact, often, in the organic markets, the middle is larger-
In farmer direct such as with CSA's the inequities are somewhat
mitigated- but these are few and far between- All that one has to do is
go to the Natural Foods Expos to see where the profit margins lie.
The difference is even more eggregious in the cosmentics or personal care
industries where "natural essences" command even higher preices than the
normal excessive mark ups- But that is just y8uppie feel good pricing
which justifies excessive consumption.
One is not arguing the value of organics or natural products- what one
does argue is preditory pricing, particularly in the spread. This will
continue to exist because the urbanites are not willing to give up their
comfots to engage further down the chain- and, in many instance can't and
never will