What price organic?

Today's New York Times writes about the growing sticker shock for organic food.

In some parts of the country, a loaf of organic bread can cost $4.50, a pound of
pasta has hit $3, and organic milk is closing in on $7 a gallon.

The writers attribute much of this to the reasons plaguing high food prices as a whole, but added to this concern is that there's less incentive financially for a farmer to switch to or stay organic.

So the question is, how much are you wiling to pay for organic produce, meats or milk? Are you willing to pay the piper for pasta made from organic wheat? Or organic chicken, who fed on organic grains?

It's a tough call. Even if grocery chains, Target and Wal-mart are entering the organic food forray, the reality is that all food prices are on the rise, and it may be cheaper and easier for some families to avoid buying organic food for now.

If you have to make a call as far as which organic foods make the most difference, these are suggested foods from WebMD:

• Apples
• Baby food
• Bell peppers
• Celery
• Cherries
• Dairy
• Eggs
• Imported grapes
• Meat
• Nectarines
• Peaches
• Pears
• Poultry
• Potatoes
• Red raspberries
• Spinach
• Strawberries.

Organic items not worth buying, the article states, are seafood and cosmetics.

How does Indy compare? At the chain groceries, I'm not seeing much difference in prices in recent months. Weather (and children) permitting, I hope to go to the green market at Traders' Point Creamery this weekend and will let you know.