Organic and Conventional Peach Production and Economics

A two year study was undertaken to compare organic peach (Prunus persica (L.) Batsch) production with conventional production. Peach trees treated with nitrogen containing fertilizers (dairy manure and NH4NO3) were more vigorous, productive, and cold hardy than trees treated with an organic seaweed product or the nontreated controls. Organic production inputs were more costly than conventional inputs, however, these greater costs were more than compensated for by high market prices which lead to higher net returns for organically produced peaches. A taste test found no significant preference for either organic or conventional peaches.