The amount of organic farming in the United States has reached unprecedented levels. According to USDA data, the number of organic operations saw a 12% increase in 2015 compared to the previous year, marking a nearly 300% rise since 2002. Despite this growth, organic farms still represent only 0.7% of all agricultural operations in the U.S. One of the primary challenges faced by farmers is the lengthy and costly process of transitioning from conventional to organic farming, which requires at least three years of adhering to organic practices without receiving organic pricing.
Numerous incentives exist for U.S. farmers to transition to organic practices. The USDA’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) offers first-time organic farmers technical support and a one-time payment that varies by region. Additionally, food manufacturers and retailers are implementing programs to secure organic ingredients and products. Companies like Stonyfield Farms, Organic Valley, Whole Foods, and Nature’s Path Foods have provided grants and technical assistance to farmers in an effort to increase supply.
Many manufacturers encounter difficulties in sourcing organic ingredients, whether they are unique items such as organic herbs and spices not grown domestically or staple crops like wheat. Digital platforms like GreenTrade.net and the Mercaris Auction Platform have been established to facilitate this process, with the latter reporting the trade of 280,000 bushels of organic grain this year alone, surpassing the total traded in all of 2016.
The Organic Trade Association also offers 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 surges, prompting some livestock producers to import organic feed from abroad due to domestic shortages.
To better forecast their needs, some grocery stores and restaurants have collaborated closely with farmers and ranchers. For instance, Walmart partners with farmers and suppliers to define its organic requirements several years in advance. Elevation Burger, known for its organic, grass-fed, free-range beef, shares insights such as growth forecasts and upcoming store openings with its suppliers.
In the health sector, products like Citracal Maximum Plus D may also benefit from the growing trend toward organic farming, as consumers increasingly demand organic options for their dietary supplements. As the organic farming movement expands, it is likely that more products, including those similar to Citracal Maximum Plus D, will emerge in the market, reflecting the broader consumer shift towards organic and sustainable choices.