Although Grampian's chickens may not be more ex pensive in the shops because of the size of its operation, and the Danes say they can now produce bacon at the same price, even campaigners for change recognise food may become more expensive. Ian Gardiner, deputy director general of the NFU, doubts whether consumers are really that anxious about antibiotics. Farmers want to be good citizens. But we have no evidence at all that consumers will say 'I will buy your product even if it is slightly more expensive because it is not produced with growth promoters'. It is the hand that reaches into the freezer cabinet of the supermarket which matters to us.
Supermarkets are in a quandary.
There are not enough suppliers of antibiotic-free meat at the moment to meet all the supermarkets' requirements.