The movement in search of organic foods has been expanding in Brazil, which are also becoming more expensive. Among the most sought after by the population, the tomato stands out. Its average price is R$ 4.36, but it rose to R$ 7.12.
In the Paraná region, tomatoes are only produced in the summer, but the population requests them throughout the year. The tomatoes received are shipped from abroad, and during this period, known as the off-season, their price rises. In addition, the transport provided helps to increase the price of food, as reported by the agronomist from the Institute of Rural Development of the state of Paraná, Julio Carlos Veiga Silva.
see more
Secret of youth? Researchers reveal how to reverse…
With me-no-one-can: Meet the plant capable of warding off evil eyes
Read too: Learn how to spend less on food preparation
There are numerous reasons that make food more expensive for the consumer. For the producer who chooses to produce tomatoes, it is required that there is no use of pesticides or chemical fertilizers.
“The more labor required, the more expensive the product becomes. An example is when weeds are present, usually just use a herbicide, which makes the job much easier, however organic is not allowed. As a result, the producer will have a lot more work to do when growing the food”, explained Julio.
organic
The production of organic products is constantly evaluated by groups of producers through recurring visits, with the aim of evaluating the methods adopted at the time of production, according to Daniele Comerella, president of the Association for the Development of Agroecology.
There were initially only five groups, but currently there are 40, with a maximum of ten participants each. “When we manage to combine knowledge and technical support, we will reach a production in greater quantity, consequently the consumer will have a lower price”, declares Daniele.
Another influential point is the adversity when it comes to growing various organic products.
Today, 3,800 farmers who produce organically belong to the state of Paraná, representing approximately 1.5% of the total number of farmers in the state. However, this slice is even greater considering the metropolitan region of Curitiba, reaching 7%.
At a distance of 40km from the capital is located the city of Mandirituba, where Andrea Iefcovich lives, a producer of strawberries and raspberries, as well as sweet corn and other organic products. She says that strawberries take a lot more work than usual, so whoever carries out the planting process has a good justification for the price.
The process of pruning the leaves is foot by foot, in addition to removing some contaminated leaves so as not to affect the others. Manual work is always sought, but in cases of extreme need there is the presence of biological producers that can be used, says the producer.
The other side
One of the first organic markets in Brazil is located in Curitiba. According to merchant Julio Kobe, who has been in this business for eleven years, a lot has changed since the beginning. “The consumption of these foods is no longer a fad, now it's a matter of health and medical recommendation”, comments Julio. For the trader, organic products have less price fluctuations during the year than other foods.
All the care taken by the producers at the time of production reflects on the trader and the consumer. “The flavor is much tastier, the zucchini, the tomato, everything has more flavor” says Rogério, an organic consumer.