The greatest challenge to organic farming is the high cost of inputs, a survey of Washington organic farmers shows. Also of concern are high labor costs, labor shortages, and variable or low yields. Economic sustainability was one of the main reasons producers decided to farm organically, according to the survey, which was conducted by Dr. Jessica Goldberger, sociologist at Washington State University. However, only 48 percent said they thought organic production was more economically sustainable than conventional. Goldberger mailed her survey to all 684 organic farmers in Washington who were certified by the Washington State Department of Agriculture and Oregon […]