If a standard chicken breast costs $3.99/lb and an organic, air-chilled breast costs $8.99/lb, what causes this significant cost differential?

The difference in raising methods and processing techniques like skipping water immersion

The substantial price gap between standard chicken breast and premium organic, air-chilled breast reflects the higher operational costs associated with superior production methods. The conventional bird at the lower price point often benefits from high-volume processing methods, like water immersion, which artificially boosts weight, and standard raising practices. The premium paid for the higher-priced option directly covers the costs associated with meeting stricter organic guidelines (feed, environment) and employing refined processing techniques, such as air-chilling, which forfeits the weight gain from water absorption but results in a higher quality final product.