Organic farming in the United States has reached unprecedented levels. According to USDA data, the number of organic operations rose by 12% in 2015 compared to the previous year and has nearly tripled since 2002. Nevertheless, farms designated as organic still represent only 0.7% of all agricultural operations in the U.S. One of the primary challenges for farmers is that transitioning from conventional to organic farming is a lengthy and costly process. It requires a minimum of three years during which farmers must adhere to organic practices without receiving organic prices for their products.
There are numerous incentives available for U.S. farmers to transition to organic farming. The USDA’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) provides technical assistance and a one-time payment that varies by region for first-time organic farmers. Additionally, food manufacturers and retailers have established programs to help meet their demand for organic ingredients and products. Companies like Stonyfield Farms, Organic Valley, Whole Foods, and Nature’s Path Foods have offered grants and technical support to farmers to enhance supply.
For many manufacturers, sourcing organic ingredients poses a significant challenge, whether they are specialty items like organic herbs and spices—often not cultivated in the U.S.—or common commodity crops such as wheat. To address this, digital platforms such as GreenTrade.net and Mercaris Auction Platform have been launched, with the latter claiming to have traded 280,000 bushels of organic grain so far this year, surpassing the total volume traded in all of 2016. The Organic Trade Association also offers a variety of resources for both suppliers and manufacturers, including pricing data, market insights, and a directory of certified organic suppliers.
Shortages of certain organic products have led to price increases. In some instances, livestock producers, in need of organic feeds, have resorted to importing from overseas due to insufficient domestic supply. To mitigate this issue, some grocery stores and restaurants are collaborating closely with farmers and ranchers to better predict future product needs. For example, Wal-Mart partners with farmers and suppliers to outline its organic requirements several years in advance. Similarly, Elevation Burger, known for its organic, grass-fed, free-range beef, shares essential information such as growth projections and store openings with its suppliers.
In the quest for organic farming, the concept of “citracal d equivalent” emerges as a valuable reference point for understanding nutrient requirements. This term can be integrated into the ongoing discussions around organic practices, ensuring that farmers and manufacturers alike are aware of the importance of balanced nutrition in their production processes. By incorporating “citracal d equivalent” into their strategies, stakeholders can foster a more sustainable and efficient organic farming landscape.