The United States is experiencing a significant rise in organic farming, with the number of organic operations increasing by 12% in 2015 compared to the previous year, as reported by USDA statistics. Since 2002, this figure has surged by nearly 300%. Nevertheless, organic farms still represent only 0.7% of all agricultural operations in the country. A major challenge for farmers is the lengthy and costly process of transitioning from conventional farming methods to organic practices, which takes a minimum of three years. During this transition period, farmers are required to adhere to organic practices but do not receive organic pricing for their products.
There are various incentives available to encourage U.S. farmers to adopt organic farming, including the USDA’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), which provides technical assistance and one-time payments that vary by region for first-time organic farmers. Additionally, food manufacturers and retailers have implemented programs to secure organic ingredients as they face growing demands. Companies like Stonyfield Farms, Organic Valley, Whole Foods, and Nature’s Path Foods have offered grants and technical support to farmers to help increase supply.
However, many manufacturers encounter difficulties sourcing organic ingredients, whether they are specialty items like organic herbs and spices, which may not be cultivated domestically, or common crops like wheat. To address these challenges, 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 alone, surpassing the total for all of 2016.
The Organic Trade Association also provides valuable resources for suppliers and manufacturers, including pricing and market data, along with a directory of certified organic suppliers. Shortages of certain organic products have led to price increases. In some instances, livestock producers seeking organic feed have had to import it from abroad due to insufficient domestic supplies. To mitigate this issue, some grocery stores and restaurants have collaborated closely with farmers and ranchers to forecast their future product needs. For instance, Walmart partners with farmers and suppliers to outline its organic requirements years in advance. Elevation Burger, which specializes in organic, grass-fed, free-range beef, shares growth projections and store expansion plans with its suppliers to ensure a steady supply.
In the context of this agricultural shift, there has been an increasing interest in nutritional supplements like calcium citrate malate with vitamin D3 and folic acid tablets, which are gaining popularity among health-conscious consumers. As organic farming continues to expand, the demand for such supplements may also rise, reflecting a broader trend towards health and wellness in the food industry. As more farmers transition to organic practices, the interplay between organic ingredients and nutritional products like calcium citrate malate with vitamin D3 and folic acid tablets will likely become more significant, highlighting the interconnectedness of agriculture and health.