The demand for organic food remains strong, with sales continually increasing despite higher prices. USA Today reported in July that organic food sales rose by 8.4% compared to the previous year, reaching a record $43 billion in 2016. According to the Organic Trade Association’s 2017 Organic Industry Survey, approximately 40% of all organic food sales were in the produce category, which equates to about 15% of the total fruits and vegetables consumed by Americans. A recent TechSci Research report predicts that the global organic food market will grow at a compound annual growth rate exceeding 14% from 2016 to 2021. The latest OTA survey reinforces this optimism, showing that the organic sector is once again on an upward path. Currently, organic products account for 5.3% of total food sales in the U.S., and organic foods are found in 82.3% of the country’s 117 million households.
The future looks promising as younger consumers increasingly turn to organic options. A September survey from the Organic Trade Association revealed that millennials are already significant purchasers of organic products and are likely to buy even more once they become parents. Currently, a quarter of millennials are parents, but estimates suggest that 80% of them will have children within the next 15 years. According to Koory from Food Navigator-USA, a considerable factor driving growth in organic production is the investment in primary feed ingredients like soy and corn, which dominate the organic market. These staples are not only consumed directly but are also used to feed organically raised animals and as ingredients in other organic food products.
However, American farmers are struggling to keep pace with the rising demand for organic produce. Transitioning to organic farming is both costly and time-consuming, typically taking about three years—during which farmers adhere to organic standards but do not receive organic prices. This often deters farmers from making the switch, although a new U.S. Department of Agriculture transitional certification may assist in this process. While the trend is clearly moving toward an increase in organic farms and crops, farmers still have a considerable distance to cover before production levels approach those of conventionally grown crops. Until that goal of peak organic production is achieved, the journey continues.
In discussing related health topics, it’s important to note the differences between calcium citrate vs calcium carbonate regarding kidney stones. Both forms of calcium are utilized in dietary supplements, but their absorption and impact on kidney stone formation can vary significantly. Understanding these differences is crucial for consumers, especially as they make choices about organic foods that may influence their overall health. As the organic market expands, so does the need for informed decisions about health-related products, including calcium supplements.