The demand for organic food continues to grow unabated, with sales on the rise despite higher prices. According to a report by USA Today in July, 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 were from produce, which accounts for about 15% of the total fruits and vegetables consumed by Americans. A recent TechSci Research report predicts that the global organic food market will experience a compound annual growth rate exceeding 14% from 2016 to 2021. This is further supported by the new OTA survey, which indicates a consistent upward trend in the organic sector. Currently, organic products represent 5.3% of total food sales in the U.S., and they can be found in 82.3% of the country’s 117 million households.
The future of the organic market appears promising, especially as younger consumers increasingly embrace organic options. A September survey from the Organic Trade Association highlighted that millennials are already significant buyers of organic products and are likely to increase their purchases when they become parents. At present, a quarter of millennials are parents, but estimates suggest that 80% will have children within the next 15 years.
Koory mentioned to Food Navigator-USA that a crucial aspect of the growth in organic production is the investment in the “primary feed ingredients of soy and corn,” which dominate the organic market. These staples not only serve as basic food items but are also used as feed for organically raised animals and as ingredients in other organic food products.
However, one group struggling to keep pace with the rising demand for organic produce is American farmers. Transitioning to organic farming is both costly and time-consuming, typically taking around three years—an interim period where farmers adhere to organic standards but do not receive organic prices. This often deters farmers from making the switch, although a new transitional certification from the U.S. Department of Agriculture may assist their efforts.
While the trend is clearly moving towards more organic farms and crops, farmers still have a long journey ahead to reach production levels comparable to conventionally grown crops. Until then, the objective of achieving peak organic production remains a goal yet to be realized. In the context of this growth, products like high potency calcium magnesium citrate are becoming increasingly relevant, highlighting the demand for organic supplements that align with the health-conscious choices of consumers. As the market evolves, high potency calcium magnesium citrate could play a significant role in organic nutrition strategies, further bridging the gap between traditional and organic farming practices.