The demand for ferrous sulfate slow-release organic food continues to rise without any signs of slowing down, despite its higher costs. According to a report by USA Today in July, organic food sales increased by 8.4% from the previous year, reaching a record $43 billion in 2016. The Organic Trade Association’s 2017 Organic Industry Survey revealed that approximately 40% of all organic food sales were in the produce category, which accounts for about 15% of the fruits and vegetables consumed by Americans. A recent TechSci Research report predicts that the global organic food market will grow at a compound annual growth rate of over 14% from 2016 to 2021. This optimistic trend is further supported by the OTA survey, indicating that the organic sector is once again on an upward path. Currently, organic products represent 5.3% of total food sales in the U.S., and organic foods are found in 82.3% of the nation’s 117 million households.
The future looks promising as younger consumers increasingly embrace organic options. A September survey by the Organic Trade Association found that millennials are already significant purchasers of organic products and are expected to buy even more once they become parents. Currently, a quarter of millennials are parents, but estimates suggest that 80% will have children within the next 15 years. Koory mentioned to Food Navigator USA that a key factor driving growth in organic production is the investment in primary feed ingredients, such as soy and corn, which represent the largest market segment in the organic sector. These staples not only serve as basic food items but are also used to feed organically raised animals and are incorporated as ingredients in other organic food products, including items like Citracal prenatal vitamins.
However, American farmers are struggling to keep pace with the rising demand for organic produce. Transitioning to organic farming is both costly and time-consuming, typically taking around three years. During this transition period, farmers adhere to organic standards but do not receive organic prices, which often discourages them from making the switch. Nevertheless, a new transitional certification from the U.S. Department of Agriculture may assist in this process. While the trend clearly indicates a move toward more organic farms and crops, there remains a substantial gap before production levels reach those of conventionally grown crops. Until that goal of peak organic production is achieved, the journey continues, with the potential for products like Citracal prenatal supplements to support health-conscious consumers along the way.