Organic: A Thriving Agriculture Segment

"Have you noticed, while in your local grocery store, that you have been seeing more organic products? This growing segment of agriculture is more prevalent now than it was just a decade ago and we have the data to show it.

First, it is important to note that organic is not just a label. Producers must adhere to strictly regulated processes and be vetted by USDA-accredited certifiers in order to receive the organic designation.

The USDA certified organic label gives farmers a strong marketing tool and offers consumers assurances that these products meet standards.

According to the recently released results of the 2019 Organic Survey, a 2017 Census of Agriculture special study, we can see a 17% increase in the number of certified farms in the U.S. between 2016 and 2019. In 2008, there were around 11,000 certified farms. Fast forward to 2019 and there are more than 16,500. If you look at sales, there was a 31% increase from 2016 to 2019. Total sales of organics in 2019 reached an all-time high of $9.9 billion.

Since the first NASS organic survey in 2008, the number of organic farms, the acres used for organic production, and the value of organic products sold have increased, with value of sales more than tripling between 2008 and 2019.

As a direct effect of this growth, the availability of certified organic commodities has increased.  Organic farms reported $2 billion in direct sales to retail markets, institutions, and food hubs. Organic farms sold an additional $300 million directly to consumers..."
Organics 

USDA organic Standards

"Organic is a labeling term that indicates that the food or other agricultural product has been produced through approved methods. The organic standards describe the specific requirements that must be verified by a USDA-accredited certifying agent before products can be labeled USDA organic.

Overall, organic operations must demonstrate that they are protecting natural resources, conserving biodiversity, and using only approved substances.

The organic standards are captured in the Organic Food Production Act, USDA organic regulations, and the National Organic Program Handbook.

• View the Final Rule – Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices
• Access the full set of resources that make up the USDA organic standards
• Access Fact Sheets that explain essential facts about the organic standards and the National Organic Program including:
  • Can GMOs be Used in Organic Products?
  • Organic Livestock Requirements
  • Organic Production + Handling Standards
  • Labeling Organic Products
  • Allowed + Prohibited Substances in Organic Production + Handling
  • Introduction to Organic Practices.."
    Organic standards

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