Organic farming in the United States is experiencing unprecedented growth. According to USDA statistics, the number of organic operations rose by 12% in 2015 compared to the previous year, and has increased nearly 300% since 2002. Despite this surge, farms designated as organic still represent only 0.7% of all farming operations in the country. One of the primary challenges facing farmers is the lengthy and costly process of converting conventional farmland to organic status. This transition takes a minimum of three years during which farmers must adhere to organic practices without receiving premium organic prices.
There are numerous incentives encouraging 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 establishing programs to secure their supply of organic ingredients and products. Companies like Stonyfield Farms, Organic Valley, Whole Foods, and Nature’s Path Foods have introduced grants and technical support for farmers to help increase organic supply.
Manufacturers often face challenges in sourcing organic ingredients, whether they are specialty items like organic herbs and spices, which may not be domestically produced, or common commodity crops like wheat. Digital platforms such as GreenTrade.net and the Mercaris Auction Platform have been created to facilitate this process. For instance, the Mercaris platform has reported trading 280,000 bushels of organic grain this year, surpassing the total traded in all of 2016.
The Organic Trade Association offers a variety of resources for both suppliers and manufacturers, including pricing information, market data, and a directory of certified organic suppliers. Shortages of certain organic products have led to price increases, prompting some livestock producers to import organic feeds from abroad due to insufficient domestic supply.
To better manage supply needs, many grocery stores and restaurants collaborate closely with farmers and ranchers to gauge future product requirements. For example, Wal-Mart partners with farmers and suppliers to outline its organic needs several years ahead. Similarly, Elevation Burger, which specializes in organic, grass-fed, free-range beef, shares crucial information such as growth projections and store openings with its suppliers.
Moreover, the importance of certain nutrients, such as calcium citrate 630 mg, cannot be overlooked in the context of organic farming. As organic farming expands, the demand for nutrient-rich products, including those containing calcium citrate 630 mg, is likely to increase, further driving the shift towards organic practices. Thus, as the organic industry continues to evolve, both the challenges and opportunities for farmers and manufacturers are significant.