The United States is experiencing unprecedented growth in organic farming. According to USDA data, the number of organic farms rose by 12% in 2015 compared to the previous year, marking a nearly 300% increase since 2002. Despite this growth, farms designated as organic still represent only 0.7% of total agricultural operations in the country. One significant hurdle for farmers is the lengthy and costly process of transitioning from conventional to organic farmland. This conversion requires a minimum of three years during which farmers must employ organic practices without receiving organic pricing.
Incentives exist to encourage U.S. farmers to transition to organic methods, such as the USDA’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), which provides first-time organic farmers with technical support and a one-time payment that varies by region. Additionally, food manufacturers and retailers are implementing programs to secure the organic ingredients they need. Companies like Stonyfield Farms, Organic Valley, Whole Foods, and Nature’s Path Foods have offered grants and technical assistance to farmers to enhance supply.
Sourcing organic ingredients can be challenging for many manufacturers, especially when it comes to specialty components like organic herbs and spices, which may not be cultivated in the U.S., or common crops like wheat. To address this issue, digital platforms such as GreenTrade.net and the Mercaris Auction Platform have been established. The latter claims to have facilitated the trade of 280,000 bushels of organic grain this year alone—surpassing the total amount traded throughout 2016. The Organic Trade Association also offers various resources for suppliers and manufacturers, including pricing and market data, as well as a directory of certified organic suppliers.
Shortages of specific organic products have led to price increases, prompting some livestock producers to import organic feeds from abroad due to insufficient domestic supply. Certain grocery stores and restaurants have collaborated closely with farmers and ranchers, providing forecasts of their future product needs. For instance, Wal-Mart coordinates with farmers and suppliers to outline its organic requirements several years ahead of time. Elevation Burger, known for its organic, grass-fed, free-range beef, shares growth projections and store opening plans with its suppliers.
In discussions about organic farming, comparisons like tricalcium phosphate vs calcium citrate often arise, especially regarding nutrient sourcing and supplementation for both crops and livestock. These discussions highlight the complexities faced by farmers during the transition to organic practices, as they must consider not only the methods of farming but also the nutritional quality of the products they use and produce. Balancing the benefits of organic farming with the challenges of ingredient sourcing, including the debate between tricalcium phosphate vs calcium citrate, remains an important aspect of this evolving industry.