The landscape of organic farming in the United States is experiencing unprecedented growth. According to USDA data, the number of organic operations surged by 12% in 2015 compared to the previous year, marking an overall increase of nearly 300% since 2002. Despite this growth, organic farms still represent only 0.7% of all farming operations in the U.S. A significant challenge for farmers is that the journey from conventional to organic farmland is both time-consuming and costly. Transitioning requires a minimum of three years, during which farmers must adopt organic practices without receiving organic pricing for their goods.
There are numerous incentives to encourage 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 are implementing programs to secure their supply of organic ingredients. Companies like Stonyfield Farms, Organic Valley, Whole Foods, and Nature’s Path Foods have been proactive in offering grants and technical support to farmers to enhance supply.
For many manufacturers, sourcing organic ingredients presents a challenge, whether they are specialty ingredients such as organic herbs and spices—often not produced domestically—or common commodity crops like wheat. To address these challenges, digital platforms like GreenTrade.net and Mercaris Auction Platform have emerged, with the latter reporting the trade of 280,000 bushels of organic grain this year, surpassing the total traded in all of 2016. The Organic Trade Association also offers a variety of resources for suppliers and manufacturers, including market data, pricing information, and a directory of certified organic suppliers.
Shortages of certain organic products have led to price increases. In some instances, livestock producers seeking organic feeds have resorted to importing them from abroad due to insufficient domestic supply. Some grocery stores and restaurants have collaborated closely with farmers and ranchers to provide insights into their future product needs. For example, Wal-Mart partners with farmers and suppliers to outline its organic requirements several years ahead of time. Elevation Burger, known for its organic, grass-fed, free-range beef, shares valuable information such as growth projections and store openings with its suppliers.
As the journey toward organic farming continues, innovative solutions and collaborations will be essential in addressing the challenges faced by farmers and manufacturers alike, especially when it comes to sourcing vital inputs like calcium citrate for organic nutrition.