That’s a Wrap: New Certified Organic Data Released during National Organic Harvest Month

"USDA’s National Organic Program defines organic production as a system that is managed to respond to site specific conditions by integrating cultural, biological, and mechanical practices that foster the cycling of resources, promote ecological balance, and conserve biodiversity.

While USDA reports that organic agriculture typically produces lower yields compared to conventional agriculture, there’s no denying that organic farming delivers several environmental benefits, like improving soil quality, and remains a growing and profitable sector of the farming industry.

Reflecting this, the new data from the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) 2016 Certified Organic Survey was eagerly awaited; NASS currently produces the most comprehensive certified organic production data for the nation and each of the 50 states. Data highlights include:

• U.S. farms and ranches sold $7.6 billion in certified organic commodities in 2016, up 23 percent from 2015.
• Of the sales, 56 percent was crops and 44 percent was livestock, poultry, and related products (e.g. milk).
• Between 2015 and 2016, the number of certified organic farms increased 11 percent to 14,217, and the number of certified acres increased 15 percent to 5 million.
• California led in number of certified organic farms, number of acres, and sales.
• Milk and eggs were the top two certified commodities sold..."
  Organic data