Leopold Center Study Compares Local, Non-local Food Prices

If you think local foods are more expensive than their conventional counterparts, think again. Research conducted last summer by the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture shows few differences in price for Iowa-grown vegetables, eggs and meat when compared to similar non-local products. The study surveyed prices for eight different vegetables sold at Iowa farmers markets in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Ames and Iowa City. On the same day, prices were documented for similar produce from national or international sources being sold at supermarket chains in those cities. Prices were checked on five days during July and August.

For more details, including comparative charts and tables, click here to see the new report, “Is Local Food More Expensive?: A Consumer Price Perspective on Local and Non-Local Foods Purchased in Iowa."