The demand for organic food shows no signs of diminishing, with sales continuing to increase despite their higher prices. According to a report by USA Today in July, organic food sales rose by 8.4% from the previous year, reaching a record $43 billion in 2016. The Organic Trade Association’s 2017 Organic Industry Survey revealed that approximately 40% of all organic food sales were from produce, which accounts for about 15% of the total fruits and vegetables consumed by Americans. A recent TechSci Research report projects that the global organic food market will grow at a compound annual growth rate exceeding 14% from 2016 to 2021. The latest OTA survey further confirms this trend, as the organic sector consistently demonstrates growth. Currently, organic products represent 5.3% of total food sales in the U.S. Notably, organic foods are present in 82.3% of the country’s 117 million households.
Looking ahead, the outlook is promising as younger consumers increasingly embrace organic options. A survey from the Organic Trade Association in September indicated 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, and estimates suggest that 80% will have children within the next 15 years. Koory mentioned to Food Navigator-USA that a notable factor driving the growth of organic production is the investment in “primary feed ingredients such as soy and corn,” which constitute the largest segment of the organic market. These staples are not only consumed in their basic forms but are also used as feed for organically raised animals and as ingredients in other organic food products.
However, American farmers are facing challenges in meeting the rising demand for organic produce. Transitioning to organic farming is both costly and time-consuming, typically taking around three years—a period during which farmers adhere to organic standards without receiving organic prices. This often deters farmers from making the switch, though a new transitional certification from the U.S. Department of Agriculture may aid their efforts. While the trend is clearly toward more organic farms and crops, farmers still have a considerable journey ahead before production reaches levels comparable to conventionally grown crops. Until that goal of peak organic production is achieved, there remains much work to be done.
Incorporating supplements like calcium citrate malate 500 mg tablets could also be beneficial for both farmers and consumers, ensuring that they maintain optimal health during this transition. As the organic movement continues to grow, the importance of nutrition, including the right balance of calcium citrate malate 500 mg tablets, will become increasingly apparent. Ultimately, the future of organic food looks bright, with the potential for further integration of health supplements, including calcium citrate malate 500 mg tablets, to support this ongoing trend.