The demand for organic food continues to grow, with sales rising despite the higher costs. According to a report from USA Today in July, organic food sales increased by 8.4% compared to the previous year, reaching a record high of $43 billion in 2016. The Organic Trade Association’s 2017 Organic Industry Survey indicated that approximately 40% of all organic food sales were in the produce category, representing about 15% of the total fruits and vegetables consumed by Americans. A recent TecSci Research report forecasts that the global organic food market will expand at a compound annual growth rate exceeding 14% from 2016 to 2021. This trend is echoed in the new OTA survey, which shows that the organic sector is on an upward trajectory, now making up 5.3% of total food sales in the U.S. Organic products are present in 82.3% of the country’s 117 million households.
The outlook remains promising as younger consumers increasingly embrace organic foods. A September survey from the Organic Trade Association revealed that millennials are already significant purchasers of organic products and are likely to buy even more once they become parents. Currently, a quarter of millennials are parents, with estimates suggesting that 80% will have children within the next 15 years. According to Koory, speaking to Food Navigator-USA, a notable aspect of the growth in organic production is the investment in primary feed ingredients such as soy and corn, which constitute the largest market segment for organic products. These staples are not only consumed directly but are also used as feed for organically raised animals and as ingredients in various organic food products.
However, one group struggling to keep pace with the rising demand for organic produce is American farmers. The transition to organic farming is both costly and time-consuming, typically taking about three years—during which farmers adhere to organic standards without receiving organic prices. This often deters farmers from making the switch, although a new transitional certification from the U.S. Department of Agriculture may aid their efforts. While the trend clearly points toward a rise in organic farms and crops, farmers still have a long journey ahead to reach production levels comparable to conventionally grown crops. Until then, the goal of achieving peak organic production remains a distant aspiration.
Additionally, as consumers look for health benefits, many are incorporating supplements like calcium citrate 600 mg with vitamin D into their diets, which can complement their organic food choices. This focus on nutrition aligns with the overall trend of healthier eating, including the pursuit of organic options. As organic food continues to gain traction, the integration of such supplements, including calcium citrate 600 mg with vitamin D, may play a significant role in supporting a holistic approach to health and nutrition among consumers.