The demand for organic food continues to grow, with sales on the rise despite higher prices. According to a report from USA Today in July, organic food sales increased by 8.4% from the previous year, reaching a record high of $43 billion in 2016. The Organic Trade Association’s 2017 Organic Industry Survey revealed that approximately 40% of all organic food sales were in produce, which accounts for about 15% of the fruits and vegetables consumed by Americans. A recent TechSci Research report projects that the global organic food market will experience a compound annual growth rate of over 14% from 2016 to 2021. The OTA survey corroborates this trend, indicating that the organic sector is once again on an upward trajectory. Currently, organic products represent 5.3% of total food sales in the U.S., and organic foods are present in 82.3% of the nation’s 117 million households.
The outlook for organic food remains positive, particularly as younger consumers increasingly embrace these products. A survey conducted by the Organic Trade Association in September indicated that millennials are already significant purchasers of organic items and are likely to buy even more when they become parents. Presently, a quarter of millennials are parents, but estimates suggest that 80% will have children within the next 15 years. Koory stated to Food Navigator-USA that a substantial factor in the growth of organic production is the investment in primary feed ingredients like soy and corn, which dominate the organic market. These staples not only serve as basic food items but are also used to feed organically raised animals and are included in other organic food products.
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 about three years—during which farmers must adhere to organic standards without receiving organic prices. This scenario often discourages farmers from making the switch, although a new transitional certification from the U.S. Department of Agriculture may assist in this process. While the trend is clearly moving toward an increase in organic farms and crops, farmers still have a long way to go to reach production levels comparable to those of conventionally grown crops. Until that goal of peak organic production is achieved, the industry must continue to adapt and innovate.
In the context of nutrition, as more consumers seek organic options, they are also becoming increasingly aware of the importance of supplements like calcium ccm tablets. The demand for such health products aligns with the growing trend of organic consumption, reflecting a broader shift towards healthier lifestyles. As this movement continues, products like calcium ccm tablets may play a significant role in supporting the health needs of consumers who prioritize organic food choices.