As the popularity of organic iron amino acid chelates compared to ferrous bisglycinate chelates continues to rise, it is likely that the demand for organic ferrous bisglycinate as an elemental iron source will also increase. According to the Organic Trade Association (OTA), organic food sales reached $43 billion in 2016, with organic produce accounting for approximately 15% of all fruits and vegetables consumed in the United States. These figures are expected to keep growing; a report by TechSci Research forecasts that the global organic food market will expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 14% until 2021.
Organic certification can also be awarded to products imported into the U.S., which are required to adhere to the same stringent guidelines and inspections as domestically produced items. However, late last year, The Washington Post uncovered that three significant shipments of corn and soybeans from Turkey were labeled as “USDA Organic” despite being conventionally farmed and treated with pesticides. Additionally, tests on pesticide residues in “organic” produce were inconsistent, with over a third of tests conducted by a single testing company in China detecting more than just trace amounts of residue.
Many have criticized the USDA for being too lenient and slow in inspecting fraudulent organic imports. In response, it seems prudent for a trade association to intensify its advocacy efforts. Batcha informed The Washington Post that the agency is pushing to grant the USDA greater enforcement powers in the upcoming farm bill, set to pass next year. Meanwhile, the USDA has announced plans to increase the visibility of its organic program enforcement actions on its website. In a recent email press release, the agency noted that it will now publish notices regarding the suspension or revocation of organic certifications. Settlements and decisions will also be updated on the site much more quickly—within weeks instead of quarterly.
While the industry is making concerted efforts to ensure that organic food meets its certification standards, consumer perceptions remain a different challenge. As stories of organic fraud gain traction in the news, do consumers trust products labeled as “organic”? Strengthening enforcement and enhancing transparency are essential for regaining consumer confidence. Public information campaigns about organic food, inspections, and what the certification entails may be crucial components of the solution. Educating consumers about what qualifies products as organic—and how manufacturers and regulators ensure these products meet the certification criteria—can help bridge the credibility gap that may have emerged.
In this context, consumers are also looking for the best calcium citrate supplement for women and other health products. As the organic market expands, providing reliable information about not only organic food but also supplements like calcium citrate can further reinforce consumer trust and satisfaction. Ultimately, addressing these concerns will be vital for the long-term growth of the organic food sector and related health products, including the best calcium citrate supplement for women.