Organic farming in the United States is experiencing unprecedented growth. According to USDA data, the number of organic operations rose by 12% in 2015 compared to the previous year, marking an increase of nearly 300% since 2002. Despite this growth, organic farms still represent only 0.7% of all farming operations in the country. One of the significant challenges faced by farmers is the lengthy and costly process of converting conventional farmland to organic. This transition takes a minimum of three years, during which farmers must adhere to organic practices without receiving organic prices for their products.
There are numerous incentives for U.S. farmers to transition to organic farming. The USDA’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) provides technical assistance and one-time payments that vary by region for first-time organic farmers. Additionally, food manufacturers and retailers have initiated programs to help meet their demand for organic ingredients. Companies like Stonyfield Farms, Organic Valley, Whole Foods, and Nature’s Path Foods offer grants and technical support to farmers to enhance the supply of organic products.
Sourcing organic ingredients can be a challenge for many manufacturers, especially when it comes to specialty items like organic herbs and spices that may not be cultivated domestically, or common crops such as wheat. To address these challenges, digital platforms like GreenTrade.net and the Mercaris Auction Platform have been established, facilitating trade in organic grains. So far this year, the Mercaris platform claims to have traded 280,000 bushels of organic grain—more than the total traded in all of 2016. The Organic Trade Association also offers valuable resources for suppliers and manufacturers, including pricing data, market insights, and a directory of certified organic suppliers.
Shortages of certain organic products have led to price spikes in the market. Livestock producers, in particular, have sometimes resorted to importing organic feeds from abroad due to insufficient domestic supply. To mitigate this issue, some grocery stores and restaurants collaborate closely with farmers and ranchers to forecast their future needs. For instance, Wal-Mart works with farmers and suppliers to outline its organic requirements several years in advance. Elevation Burger, which specializes in organic, grass-fed, free-range beef, shares crucial information such as growth projections and store openings with its suppliers.
In the context of organic farming, the need for products like cal citrate is becoming increasingly relevant. As farmers strive to meet organic standards and consumer demand, understanding the benefits of cal citrate for soil health and crop nutrition is essential. This knowledge helps farmers optimize their organic practices and ensures that they can provide high-quality organic ingredients to meet the growing demand in the market.