In the great chicken business we are having heated debates about the organic versus free range debate. Would it be right to offer a free range alternative using cheaper feed and therefore selling a quality product at a cheaper price without using organic food? If we went down this route I have no idea how i would attempt to sell it when i have been so committed to the organic ideals and it would feel like losing all integrity. But is it fair to price our products out of the reach of many, when we could offer a high welfare bird that would be nearly organic? This is a debate that will run and run, especially when the retail climate proves so challenging. After spending too late yesterday stood on a windy Devon hillside debating this with Mr very important buyer, I start to feel more entrenched in our ideals. We don't suffer from credit crunch having had no money in the first place, but i do buy good food, i have a feeling that there are still plenty of customers that are willing to put their ideals before their luxuries.
More cheerfully Chagford Show has not been canceled even though rain is forecast tomorrow, so we are off with our samples to show the locals what we do or rather Anais will and i will take the kids and act as back up! Last year I lost my wayward twin (we did find him eventually), so i have spent all day lecturing them about wandering off. They start to look at me as if i'm slightly mad after the upteenth time!