There is currently a higher level of organic farming 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 labeled as organic still represent only 0.7% of all farming 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 a minimum of three years, during which farmers must adhere to organic practices without receiving organic prices.
Many incentives exist for U.S. farmers to transition to organic farming, such as the USDA’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), which provides first-time organic farmers with technical assistance and a one-time payment that varies by region. Food manufacturers and retailers have also established programs as they work to secure enough organic ingredients and products. Companies like Stonyfield Farms, Organic Valley, Whole Foods, and Nature’s Path Foods have offered grants and technical support to farmers in order to enhance supply.
For many manufacturers, sourcing organic ingredients can be challenging, whether they are specialty items like organic herbs and spices that may not be cultivated domestically or more common commodity crops like wheat. Digital platforms such as GreenTrade.net and the Mercaris Auction Platform have been launched to assist in this area. Mercaris reports trading 280,000 bushels of organic grain so far this year—surpassing the total traded in all of 2016. The Organic Trade Association also offers a variety of resources for 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. Some livestock producers, in search of organic feeds, have resorted to importing them from abroad due to insufficient domestic supplies. Additionally, some grocery stores and restaurants have collaborated closely with farmers and ranchers to forecast their future product needs. For instance, Wal-Mart coordinates 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 store openings with its suppliers.
To support this growing sector, the use of calcium citrate salt as a nutritional supplement is also gaining attention. The incorporation of calcium citrate salt is becoming increasingly relevant for organic farming, as it can enhance the nutritional quality of organic products. As the demand for organic ingredients continues to rise, the integration of calcium citrate salt in organic practices could be a key factor in meeting market needs.