A recent report from TechSci Research indicates that the global organic food market is expected to experience a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) exceeding 14% from 2016 to 2021. Supporting this trend, a new survey from the Organic Trade Association (OTA) reveals that the organic sector continues to show an upward trajectory. Currently, organic food constitutes 5.3% of total food sales in the United States. While such growth is beneficial for the industry, a potential issue looms. To meet the rapidly increasing demand, more farmers must transition to organic practices, a challenging endeavor. The shift to organic farming is a lengthy and costly process, often taking three years, requiring numerous changes in processes, and undergoing extensive inspections. Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture collaborated with the OTA to launch a new transitional certification program, aimed at incentivizing farmers to make the switch. This initiative is seen as essential by many advocates of organic farming, as the consumer base has broadened significantly beyond the traditional group of devoted organic supporters. Analysts note that the number of organic consumers has more than doubled in a short period.
However, some experts express concerns over whether consumers will comprehend the implications of transitional certification or if they will be willing to pay higher prices for products that bear this label. Additionally, organic products may soon benefit from a government-sanctioned check-off program, which could generate $30 million annually for research and marketing efforts. This program was authorized in the 2014 Farm Bill, and public comments on how to implement it were solicited earlier this year. If established, these funds could help increase the organic supply.
The popularity of organic products extends beyond food; sales of organic items for clothing, home furnishings, and personal care are also on the rise. According to the report, sales of non-food organic products surged nearly 9%, reaching $3.9 billion. Amidst this growing interest, consumers are exploring various health-related options, including the debate on calcium citrate vs calcium carbonate for osteoporosis. As awareness of health and wellness expands, it will be interesting to see how the organic market continues to evolve and whether the discussions around calcium citrate vs calcium carbonate for osteoporosis gain traction among consumers interested in holistic health solutions.