by Jon Cloud

Wow! Since the last issue of COGNITION the prices for certain commodities have moved sharply up and down. The prices seem to have stabilized for the time being and you will find them listed below. Winter wheat, rye, and spelt acreage are increasing each year as consumers request more organic products. Major chain stores are becoming reinvolved in providing organic products to their customers. The explosive growth of the organic industry during the late 1980s was powered by the "Alar scare". Unfortunately, this growth imploded just as rapidly, as supplies were able to meet only 15% of the demand. Thus, the rapid entry and subsequent exit from the market gave the organic industry a "fad" appearance. Retailers began to view the organic industry as unreliable, unprofessional, riddled with poor quality products, and very risky to get involved with.;

The post-Alar era has forced the organic industry to become reliable and professional. The type of growth we are experiencing in the industry now is neither faddish nor explosive. Its steadily increasing market share is built on the hard work and integrity of people willing to commit their lives to building a solid industry which heals the earth, improves the soil and provides its citizens with the most nutritious products they can eat.

A few people have requested that I start including organic fruit and vegetable prices in the spring and summer issues. Give me a call at (416) 762-0940 and let me know if you agree.

CROP PRICE

BARLEY $160/metric tonne (MT)

BUCKWHEAT $375 -$425/MT

CANOLA (variety & grade) $450-$500/MT

CORN (limited demand) $l8O/MT

FLAX $450/MT

MILLET (yellow) $240/MT

OATS (hulless) $250/MT

(regular) $210/MT

RYE $l5O/MT

SOYBEANS (Tofu type) $18/Bushel

(White Hilum varieties) $15-$17/Bushel

(Natto) $22.50/Bushel

SPELT $225-$38O/MT

SUNFLOWER $550/MT

WHEAT (soft white winter) $290-$330/MT

(hard white winter) $330-$360/MT

(hard red winter) $350/MT