Food at the right price

Food at the lowest price – the hidden cost

In stores, conventionally grown food may seem cheap. But the price does not reflect reality. It is a price without the hidden costs paid by all of us through taxes, healthcare, water purification, and the loss of nature's resources. FAO shows that the global food system has 12.7 trillion USD/year in hidden costs – more than double what food costs in retail.

Hidden costs in conventional agriculture

Nitrogen fertilizers: Hidden costs in the EU are estimated at 70–320 billion euros/year. Production requires fossil energy and emits approx. 450 million tons of CO₂/year. High applications lead to nitrate excess in crops and risks to health and the environment.
Pesticides: Glyphosate and neonicotinoids harm soil microbes and pollinators. Pollinator loss can mean hundreds of billions of USD in lost crop values.
PFAS and chemicals: Spread on agricultural land has been detected in Sweden. Health costs in EEA countries are estimated at 52–84 billion euros/year. Cleanup costs are enormous.
Soil decarbonization: Conventional methods lead to loss of soil carbon. The IPCC estimates the contribution at 0.8–1.2 Gt CO₂/year globally.

Organic and regenerative food is cheaper in reality

Organic food currently costs on average 20% more in stores. But it reduces hidden costs: higher nutrient density, fewer chemicals, carbon sequestration, and no PFAS. Considering the entire cost picture, organic/regenerative is cheaper for society.

Hasta Eco as a model

With intercropping, biostimulants, and organic fertilizers, Hasta Eco builds soil carbon and nutrient balance. The result is nutrient-dense food that strengthens both humans and the planet – without hidden costs.

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