The demand for organic food continues to grow, showing no signs of slowing down, even with its premium pricing. According to a report by USA Today in July, organic food sales rose by 8.4% compared to the previous year, reaching an impressive $43 billion in 2016. The Organic Trade Association’s 2017 Organic Industry Survey revealed that approximately 40% of all organic food sales were related to produce, which equates to about 15% of the total fruits and vegetables consumed by Americans. A recent TechSci Research report predicts that the global organic food market will expand at a compound annual growth rate of over 14% from 2016 to 2021. This optimism is echoed by the OTA survey, which indicates that the organic sector is once again on an upward trend, now comprising 5.3% of total food sales in the U.S. Notably, organic foods are present in 82.3% of the 117 million households in the country.
The future appears promising as younger consumers increasingly adopt organic products. A September survey from the Organic Trade Association highlights that millennials are already significant purchasers of organic goods, and this trend is expected to intensify as they become parents. Currently, one-quarter of millennials are parents, with estimates suggesting that 80% will have children in the next 15 years. Koory informed Food Navigator-USA that a vital aspect of the growth in organic production is the investment being directed toward “primary feed ingredients like soy and corn,” which constitute the largest segment of the organic market. These staples are not only consumed directly but also serve as feed for organically raised livestock and as components in various organic food products.
However, American farmers are facing challenges in keeping pace with the rising demand for organic produce. Transitioning to organic farming is a costly and lengthy process, typically taking around three years, during which farmers adhere to organic standards without receiving organic prices. This often deters farmers from making the switch, although the new U.S. Department of Agriculture transitional certification may provide some assistance. While the trend is clearly moving toward an increase in organic farms and crops, farmers still have a considerable journey ahead before organic production approaches the levels of conventionally grown crops. Until then, the aspiration to reach peak organic production remains on the horizon.
In this evolving landscape, products like Spring Valley Calcium Citrate 600mg 300 Count could play a role in supporting the nutritional needs associated with organic diets. As the organic market matures, it will be interesting to see how supplements like these integrate into consumers’ lifestyles, especially as health-conscious millennials continue to embrace organic choices. With ongoing developments, the hope for an abundant organic future persists, and the integration of essential nutrients will undoubtedly enhance the appeal of organic eating.