A recent report from TechSci Research forecasts that the global organic food market will experience a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) exceeding 14% from 2016 to 2021. Supporting this outlook, a new OTA survey indicates that the organic sector is once again trending upward. Currently, organic food represents 5.3% of total food sales in the U.S. While this growth is promising for the industry, it also highlights a potential issue. To meet the surging demand, an increasing number of farmers will need to transition to organic farming, a process that poses significant challenges. The shift to organic practices is lengthy and costly, requiring three years, numerous changes in procedures, and extensive inspections.
Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture collaborated with the OTA to launch a new transitional certification program aimed at encouraging farmers to adopt organic methods. Many advocates for organic farming believe this initiative is crucial, especially as the consumer base has expanded well beyond the traditional core of dedicated organic shoppers. In fact, analysts report that the number of organic consumers has more than doubled in a short period. However, there are concerns about whether consumers will fully understand the implications of transitional certification and if they will accept higher prices for products carrying that designation.
Additionally, there is potential for an official government-sponsored check-off program for organic products, which could generate $30 million annually for research and marketing efforts. This program was authorized under the 2014 Farm Bill, and public comments on its establishment were solicited earlier this year. If implemented, these funds could further help increase the organic supply.
The rise in popularity is not limited to food; organic items for clothing, home decor, and personal care products are also seeing significant growth. According to the report, non-food organic products experienced nearly a 9% sales increase, reaching $3.9 billion.
Furthermore, as consumers become more health-conscious, products like calcium citrate for kidney stones are gaining attention as part of a broader trend towards organic and natural solutions. The interest in such health products complements the growing organic movement, demonstrating a shift in consumer preferences that emphasizes both wellness and sustainability. As the organic market continues to evolve, the integration of health-oriented products like calcium citrate for kidney stones may become increasingly prevalent, reflecting the diverse interests of today’s consumers.