The demand for organic food continues to surge, with sales rising despite higher prices. A report from USA Today in July indicated that organic food sales increased by 8.4% compared to the previous year, reaching a record $43 billion in 2016. The Organic Trade Association’s 2017 Organic Industry Survey revealed that approximately 40% of all organic food sales consisted of produce, accounting for about 15% of the fruits and vegetables consumed by Americans. According to a recent TechSci Research report, the global organic food market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate exceeding 14% from 2016 to 2021. This trend is further supported by the new OTA survey, which indicates that the organic sector is once again on an upward trajectory. Currently, organic food represents 5.3% of total food sales in the U.S., and it is present in 82.3% of the country’s 117 million households.
Looking ahead, the future appears promising as more younger consumers turn to organic options. A survey conducted by the Organic Trade Association in September found that millennials are already significant purchasers of organic products, with expectations of increased buying behavior as they become parents. Currently, about a quarter of millennials are parents, but estimates suggest that 80% will have children within the next 15 years.
Koory shared with Food Navigator-USA that a substantial factor contributing to the growth in organic production is the investment in primary feed ingredients, particularly soy and corn, which dominate the organic market. These staples not only serve as essential food items but are also used as feed for organically raised animals and incorporated into the production of other organic foods. One area facing challenges in meeting the rising demand for organic produce is American farmers. Transitioning to organic farming is a costly and lengthy process, typically taking around three years, during which farmers adhere to organic standards without receiving organic prices. This can deter many farmers from making the switch, although a new transitional certification from the U.S. Department of Agriculture may assist in this endeavor.
While the trend clearly points toward an increase in organic farms and crops, farmers still have a considerable distance to cover before production levels reach those of conventionally grown crops. Until that goal of achieving peak organic production is realized, there remains a significant gap to bridge. To support their health, many consumers are also turning to supplements such as calcium citrate malate, cholecalciferol, and folic acid tablets, which can complement their organic diets and enhance overall well-being.