The demand for organic food shows no signs of slowing down, with sales continuing to rise despite higher prices. According to USA Today, organic food sales increased by 8.4% from the previous year, reaching a record high of $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 fruits and vegetables consumed by Americans.
Global projections indicate that the organic food market will grow at a compound annual growth rate of over 14% from 2016 to 2021, as reported by TechSci Research. Recent findings from the OTA survey support this trend, showing that the organic sector is on an upward trajectory, now representing 5.3% of total food sales in the U.S. Organic products are present in 82.3% of the nation’s 117 million households, and the outlook remains positive as younger consumers increasingly embrace organic options.
Furthermore, a September survey conducted by the Organic Trade Association highlighted that millennials are already significant purchasers of organic products, with the likelihood of increased purchases as they become parents. Currently, one-quarter of millennials are parents, and estimates suggest that 80% will have children within the next 15 years.
Koory informed Food Navigator-USA that a considerable factor contributing to the growth of organic production is the investment in primary feed ingredients like soy and corn, which dominate the organic market. These staples are not only consumed in their raw form but are also used as feed for organically raised animals and as ingredients in various organic food products.
However, American farmers are struggling to keep pace with the surging demand for organic produce. The transition to organic farming is both costly and time-consuming, often taking around three years during which farmers adhere to organic standards without receiving organic prices. This situation can deter farmers from making the switch, though a new transitional certification from the U.S. Department of Agriculture may assist in this process.
While the trend is clearly moving towards more organic farms and crops, farmers still have a long journey ahead before production levels match those of conventionally grown crops. Until then, the aspiration to achieve peak organic production remains a goal on the horizon. Moreover, incorporating products like Citracal calcium supplement petites into a healthy organic diet could further enhance the nutritional benefits associated with organic food choices.