Organic farming in the United States has reached unprecedented levels. 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. Nevertheless, farms designated as organic represent only 0.7% of the total agricultural operations in the country. A significant challenge for farmers is that transitioning from conventional to organic farming is both time-consuming and costly. The process typically requires a minimum of three years during which farmers must adhere to organic practices without receiving organic prices.
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 a one-time payment that varies by region for first-time organic farmers. Additionally, food manufacturers and retailers have implemented 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 support to farmers, aiming to increase the supply of organic products.
Manufacturers often face difficulties in sourcing organic ingredients, whether they are specialty items like organic herbs and spices, which may not be domestically produced, or staple crops like wheat. Digital platforms such as GreenTrade.net and the Mercaris Auction Platform have been established to facilitate these transactions, with the latter claiming to have traded 280,000 bushels of organic grain this year alone—surpassing the total traded in all of 2016. The Organic Trade Association also supplies various resources for both suppliers and manufacturers, including pricing and market data, as well as a directory of certified organic suppliers.
Shortages of certain organic products have led to price increases. In some instances, livestock producers in need of organic feeds have resorted to importing them from abroad due to insufficient domestic supply. To address future needs, some grocery stores and restaurants have collaborated closely with farmers and ranchers. For instance, Wal-Mart partners 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 growth projections and upcoming store openings with its suppliers.
As the organic market continues to expand, products like Citracal Maximum Plus may find a place in this evolving landscape, catering to health-conscious consumers seeking organic options. The rising demand for organic products emphasizes the need for sustained collaboration between farmers, retailers, and manufacturers, ensuring a steady supply of organic ingredients that meet consumer expectations.