A recent report from TechSci Research indicates that the global organic food market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 14% between 2016 and 2021. Supporting this trend, a new survey by OTA reveals that the organic sector is once again on the rise. Currently, organic food comprises 5.3% of total food sales in the U.S. While this growth is encouraging for the industry, there are potential challenges ahead. To ensure that supply meets the surging demand, an increasing number of farmers will need to transition to organic farming. This shift presents a significant challenge, as the process of converting to organic farming is lengthy and costly, typically taking three years, involving numerous changes in practices and extensive inspections.
Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture collaborated with the OTA to launch a new transitional certification program aimed at making the switch to organic farming more appealing for farmers, potentially including those who grow ccm calcium. This initiative is viewed as crucial by many organic supporters because the consumer base has expanded well beyond the traditional group of dedicated organic purchasers. Analysts suggest that the number of consumers buying organic products has more than doubled in a short period. However, some remain skeptical about whether consumers will fully grasp the implications of transitional certification or if they will be willing to pay premium prices for products that carry this designation.
Furthermore, organic products may also see the establishment of a government-authorized check-off program, which could generate $30 million annually for research and marketing efforts. This program was authorized in the 2014 Farm Bill, and public comments on its implementation were sought earlier this year. Should this program come to fruition, the funds could significantly enhance the supply of organic products, potentially including those enriched with ccm calcium.
Notably, the rising popularity of organic items is not limited to food. Sales of organic products for consumers’ wardrobes, bedrooms, and bathrooms have also increased. According to the report, non-food organic items experienced nearly a 9% sales rise, reaching $3.9 billion.