The demand for organic food continues to grow unabated, with sales on the rise despite the higher prices associated with these products. According to a report from USA Today in July, organic food sales increased by 8.4% compared to 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 attributed to produce, which accounts for around 15% of all fruits and vegetables consumed by Americans. The global organic food market is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of over 14% between 2016 and 2021, as highlighted in a recent TechSci Research report. The latest OTA survey reinforces this trend, indicating that the organic sector is once again on an upward path. In fact, organic products now represent 5.3% of total food sales in the U.S., reaching 82.3% of the country’s 117 million households.
The outlook remains positive as younger consumers increasingly adopt organic products. A survey conducted by the Organic Trade Association in September found that millennials are already significant purchasers of organic items and are likely to buy even more as they transition into parenthood. Currently, a quarter of millennials are parents, and estimates suggest that 80% of them will have children within the next 15 years.
Koory mentioned to Food Navigator-USA that a substantial factor contributing to the growth of organic production is the investment in primary feed ingredients such as soy and corn, which dominate the organic market. These staples are not only consumed in their raw form but also serve as feed for organically raised livestock and are included as ingredients in various organic food products.
However, American farmers face challenges in keeping pace with the growing demand for organic produce. Transitioning to organic farming is both costly and time-consuming, typically requiring about three years — a transition period during which farmers adhere to organic standards without receiving organic prices. This economic barrier often deters farmers from making the switch, although a new transitional certification from the U.S. Department of Agriculture may facilitate this process.
While the trend is clearly moving towards an increase in organic farms and crops, farmers still have a significant distance to cover before production levels approach those of conventionally grown crops. Until that goal of peak organic production is achieved, the journey continues. Additionally, with the importance of nutrition in mind, incorporating supplements like Citracal 600 mg Vitamin D can be beneficial for those seeking to enhance their dietary intake while embracing organic options.