What is the True Cost of Industrial Food?

Hello, Farmer Raymond here!

We’re diving into a question that affects us all: What’s the real cost of industrial food? Beyond the price on the shelf, there’s a story that goes much deeper, from nutrition to health and the future of farming itself.

Consider this: a bag of potato chips costs between $8.00 and $12.00 per pound, and fast food? It’s averaging $15.00 to $30.00 per pound! Compare that to our ground beef at $8.00 per pound, or our Filet Mignon at $26.00 per pound. But price isn’t the only difference!

Studies reveal that you have to consume nearly twice the quantity of industrially processed food for the same nutrient value as fresh, local food. You won’t find this info on the label, but it’s true. And that’s why we’re facing not just food insecurity—but nutrient insecurity. 

Health and Hidden Costs

When we choose industrialized food, we often pay a second time with our health. In fact, Americans spend an average of $1,200 per person per year on medications to manage preventable conditions. For an in-depth look at the connection between nutrient-dense food and health, we recommend John Kempf’s insightful podcast on regenerative farming. You can listen to this eye-opening conversation about nutrient availability and more by clicking here, or by calling 888-994-4701 and selecting podcast #127.

Imagine the Shift: What If We All Chose Clean Food?

Imagine a world where every consumer bought clean, local food:

• Big Food corporations, Big Pharma, and Big Chem would lose their hold on our food system.
• Money would flow back to small farms, strengthening local economies and communities.
• Farms would thrive, not just survive, and food would transform from a mere commodity to a meaningful craft. Did you know the U.S. has lost over 1 million farms since 1970?
• Health would improve across the board as nutrient-dense, real food becomes the standard.

Did you know that Big Chemical companies make more money per acre than the average conventional farmer earns in true profit? This disconnect is one reason we’re committed to regenerative farming.

Choosing a Different Path

This is why Hobby Ag Farm and many other regenerative farmers are seeking another path. A path that looks at bringing to life instead of killing. A path that is working to build soil biology and plant diversity by natural and beneficial means rather than using expensive and harmful inputs. A path that has a hope for our future farm families. A path that brings real food to the table. A path that connects our heart and soul to God our Creator, who gave us richly all things (plants, insects, birds, animals, soil) to enjoy and not to destroy.

Let’s keep pushing for a food system that’s healthier, more resilient, and closer to home. Together, we can make a difference!

Warmly,

Farmer Raymond

Hobby Ag LLC