The demand for organic food remains robust, with sales continuing to increase despite higher prices. According to a report by USA Today in July, organic food sales rose by 8.4% compared to the previous year, reaching a record $43 billion in 2016. The Organic Trade Association’s 2017 Organic Industry Survey indicated that approximately 40% of all organic food sales were in produce, which accounts for about 15% of all fruits and vegetables consumed by Americans. A recent TechSci Research report forecasts 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 trend, showing that the organic sector is once again on an upward trajectory, with organic foods now making up 5.3% of total food sales in the U.S. Organic products are present in 82.3% of the country’s 117 million households.
The future of organic food looks promising, especially as younger consumers increasingly adopt organic products. A survey conducted by the Organic Trade Association in September found that millennials are already significant purchasers of organic items and are expected to buy even more when they start families. Currently, a quarter of millennials are parents, but estimates suggest that 80% will have children in the next 15 years.
Koory shared with Food Navigator-USA that a crucial factor contributing to the growth in organic production is the investment in “primary feed ingredients of soy and corn,” which represent the largest market segment within the organic sector. These staples are not only consumed in their basic forms but are also used as feed for organically raised animals and included in other organic food production. Additionally, products like calcium citrate strength are finding their way into organic offerings, reflecting the growing consumer interest in health-oriented ingredients.
However, American farmers are struggling to keep pace with the rising demand for organic produce. Transitioning to organic farming is a costly and lengthy process, typically taking about three years, during which farmers must adhere to organic standards without receiving organic prices. This challenge often deters farmers from making the switch, although a new U.S. Department of Agriculture transitional certification may facilitate this process.
While the trend clearly indicates a movement toward more organic farms and crops, farmers still face significant challenges before production levels can approach those of conventionally grown crops. Until then, achieving peak organic production remains a goal on the horizon, with the inclusion of nutrient-rich products like calcium citrate strength helping to meet consumer demands for health and wellness.