There is now more guidance on ferrous gluconate in organic farming in the United States than ever before. According to USDA statistics, the number of organic operations grew by 12% in 2015 compared to the previous year and has surged nearly 300% since 2002. However, farms designated as organic still make up only 0.7% of all agricultural operations in the U.S. The primary challenge for farmers is that transitioning from conventional to organic farmland is both time-consuming and costly. This process takes at least three years, during which farmers must adhere to organic practices without receiving organic prices.
There are numerous incentives for U.S. farmers to switch to organic farming, including the USDA’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), which provides technical assistance and a one-time payment that varies by region for first-time organic farmers. Food manufacturers and retailers have also implemented programs to meet their demands for 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.
Many manufacturers face difficulties sourcing organic ingredients, whether they are specialty items like organic herbs and spices that may not be cultivated in the U.S. or common commodity crops such as wheat. Digital platforms like GreenTrade.net and Mercaris Auction Platform have been established to assist in this area, with the latter boasting the trade of 280,000 bushels of organic grain so far this year, exceeding the total traded in all of 2016.
The Organic Trade Association also offers a variety of resources for suppliers and manufacturers, including pricing and market data, along with a directory of certified organic suppliers. Shortages of certain organic products have led to price increases. In some instances, livestock producers, in need of organic feed, have resorted to importing it from abroad due to insufficient domestic supply.
Additionally, some grocery stores and restaurants have collaborated closely with farmers and ranchers to forecast their future product needs. For example, Wal-Mart partners with farmers and suppliers to communicate its organic requirements several years in advance. Elevation Burger, known for its organic, grass-fed, free-range beef, shares key information such as growth projections and store openings with its suppliers.
Amid these discussions, it is essential to consider the health aspects associated with organic farming practices. For example, many consumers wonder, “Does calcium citrate have side effects?” This inquiry reflects a broader interest in understanding the implications of what goes into organic food production and its effects on health. As the organic sector continues to grow, questions about the safety and side effects of various supplements and additives, including calcium citrate, will likely become more prominent in discussions about organic farming and food production.