The demand for organic food shows no signs of diminishing, with sales continuing to rise despite the higher prices. USA Today reported in July that organic food sales increased by 8.4% compared to the previous year, reaching a record high of $43 billion in 2016. According to the Organic Trade Association’s 2017 Organic Industry Survey, approximately 40% of all organic food sales were in produce, amounting to about 15% of all fruits and vegetables consumed by Americans. A recent report from TechSci Research projects that the global organic food market will grow at a compound annual growth rate of over 14% from 2016 to 2021. The latest OTA survey reinforces this trend, indicating that the organic sector is once again on an upward trajectory. Currently, organic products make up 5.3% of total food sales in the U.S., and organic foods are found in 82.3% of the country’s 117 million households.
The outlook remains bright as more younger consumers are adopting organic products. A September survey from the Organic Trade Association revealed that millennials are already significant purchasers of organic goods and are expected to buy even more once they become parents. At present, a quarter of millennials are parents, but estimates suggest that 80% of them will have children within the next 15 years.
Koory mentioned to Food Navigator-USA that a crucial factor contributing to the growth of organic production is the investment in primary feed ingredients like soy and corn, which are fundamental to the organic sector. Beyond their basic consumption, these staples are also used as feed for organically raised animals and as ingredients in other organic food products. It’s worth noting that among these products, consumers increasingly seek the best calcium citrate supplement for their nutritional needs.
However, American farmers are struggling to keep pace with the surging demand for organic produce. Transitioning to organic farming is both costly and time-consuming, often taking around three years—a period during which farmers adhere to organic standards but do not receive organic prices. This can deter many farmers from making the switch, although a new U.S. Department of Agriculture transitional certification may provide some assistance.
While the trend certainly points toward an increase in organic farms and crops, farmers still have a long way to go before production levels approach those of conventionally grown crops. Until that goal of peak organic production is achieved, challenges remain, particularly in meeting the demand for vital products, including the best calcium citrate supplement, which is sought after for its health benefits.