The Nine Dollar Egg Carton

Farmers’ market, roadside stand and CSA offerings of dozens of chicken eggs have slowly edged upwards as consumers respond to the quality and story behind locally produced, certified organic or claimed-organic eggs. Some egg producers are even getting $12 consistently. Despite long-standing challenges at the regulatory level, mid-level organic producers have also seen their market access increase as city consumers try out their “expensive” but legitimate eggs and return to buy more. Once again, consumers and producers are doing what authorities refuse to do: create alternative standards that consumers respond to. This workshop will be a short presentation followed by a panel discussion with organic egg producers.