Food price increases disproportionately affect the poor because they spend a larger percentage of their income on food. Providing farmers and ranchers with a variety of options in safe production practices ensures consumers will have a variety of options on the grocery store shelves.
Consumers have an opportunity to influence production methods through their spending, as demand drives production. If a consumer feels strongly about a particular production method, he should be able to purchase accordingly. In the same way, budget-conscious consumers should have access to the most affordable, safe and healthy options.
Limiting choices is not beneficial for either group. The key to protecting the available options is maintaining the freedom to choose, rather than forcing one group to conform to the personal preferences of another.
