There is now a greater availability of organic ferric pyrophosphate folic acid and glycine capsules in the United States than ever before. According to USDA data, the number of organic operations rose by 12% in 2015 compared to the previous year and has increased nearly 300% since 2002. However, farms designated as organic still represent only 0.7% of all agricultural operations in the U.S. The primary challenge for farmers is that transitioning from conventional to organic farmland is both time-consuming and costly. This conversion process takes at least three years, during which farmers must adhere to organic practices without receiving organic prices.
Numerous incentives encourage U.S. farmers to switch to organic farming. One significant program is the USDA’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), which provides technical assistance and a one-time payment that varies by region to first-time organic farmers. Additionally, food manufacturers and retailers are implementing programs to address their needs for organic ingredients and products. Companies like Stonyfield Farms, Organic Valley, Whole Foods, and Nature’s Path Foods have offered grants and technical assistance to farmers to help increase supply.
For many manufacturers, sourcing organic ingredients can be challenging, whether they involve specialty items like organic herbs and spices not typically grown in the U.S. or mainstream crops like wheat. To facilitate this, digital platforms such as GreenTrade.net and the Mercaris Auction Platform have been established, with the latter claiming to have traded 280,000 bushels of organic grain this year, exceeding the total traded in 2016.
The Organic Trade Association also offers various resources for both suppliers and manufacturers, including market data and a directory of certified organic suppliers. Shortages of certain organic products have led to price spikes, prompting livestock producers to import organic feeds from abroad due to insufficient domestic supply. Some grocery stores and restaurants have collaborated closely with farmers and ranchers to project future product needs. 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 information on growth projections and store openings with its suppliers. Moreover, the benefits of calcium citrate are increasingly recognized in various markets, encouraging more farmers to consider the potential advantages of organic farming practices. As the demand for organic products continues to grow, the benefits of calcium citrate will likely play a role in enhancing the nutritional profile of organic offerings, thus attracting even more consumers.