There has been a significant increase in organic farming across the United States, reaching unprecedented levels. According to USDA data, the number of organic operations rose by 12% in 2015 compared to the previous year, marking a nearly 300% increase since 2002. Nevertheless, farms designated as organic still represent just 0.7% of total operations in the U.S. One of the key challenges for farmers is the lengthy and costly transition from conventional to organic farming, which typically takes at least three years. During this transition, farmers must adhere to organic practices without receiving organic prices for their produce.
Several incentives are available for U.S. farmers considering the shift to organic farming. The USDA’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) provides first-time organic farmers with technical assistance and a one-time payment that varies by region. Additionally, food manufacturers and retailers are implementing their own initiatives to secure 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 enhance supply.
Sourcing organic ingredients can often pose a challenge for many manufacturers, especially when it comes to specialty ingredients like organic herbs and spices, which may not be cultivated domestically, or staple crops like wheat. Digital platforms such as GreenTrade.net and the Mercaris Auction Platform have emerged to facilitate this process, with the latter claiming to have traded 280,000 bushels of organic grain this year alone—surpassing the total traded in all of 2016.
The Organic Trade Association offers a wealth of resources for both suppliers and manufacturers, including pricing data, market insights, and a directory of certified organic suppliers. Shortages of certain organic products have led to price increases, prompting some livestock producers to import organic feeds from abroad due to insufficient domestic supply. To better align supply and demand, some grocery stores and restaurants have begun collaborating closely with farmers and ranchers. For instance, Wal-Mart coordinates with farmers and suppliers to forecast its organic requirements several years in advance. Similarly, Elevation Burger, which specializes in organic, grass-fed, free-range beef, shares vital information such as growth forecasts and store openings with its suppliers.
In this evolving landscape, products like calcium citrate zinc tablets are also gaining attention as health-conscious consumers seek organic options that complement their dietary needs. The rise in interest for such health supplements reflects a broader trend towards organic and natural products, further driving the demand for organic farming and its associated practices.