an egg is not just an egg

Why do we complain so much about the price difference between organics and conventional foods?  Quality – in eggs in this case - is something inherent that arises out of how and where the chicken lives, what it eats, and how it is treated.  When eggs are grown in conditions as Nicholas Kristof describes them in today’s New York Times, is it any wonder that eggs from farm hens that run around freely and feed on grubs cost more?  Their shells are strong and healthy, their yolks a deep yellow or orange, and the whites don’t run.  While science has not yet come up with quick ways to measure the energetic and qualitative difference between a healthy and a weak and sick egg, yesterday’s cat food story illustrates the difference clearly.  So, an egg is not just an egg.  Without balking many people pay more for the perceived value of some name brand purse, then complain about the high price of organic foods. I believe we need to reevaluate our priorities.