Posted March 21, 2014
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently
announced new statistics showing that the organic industry continues to grow
domestically and globally, according to a USDA news release available here. AG Professional also reported on the story here.
The 2013 list of certified USDA organic operations
shows an increased rate of domestic growth.
In 2013, an additional 763 producers became certified organic, an
increase of 4.2 percent from the previous year.
Currently, there are 18,513 certified organic farms and businesses in
the U.S., representing a 245 percent increase since 2002.
“Consumer demand for organic products has grown exponentially
over the past decade. With retail sales
valued at $35 billion last year, the organic industry represents a tremendous
economic opportunity for farmers, ranchers and rural communities,” said
Agricultural Secretary Tom Vilsack. “New
support in the 2014 Farm Bill will enhance USDA’s efforts to help producers and
small business tap into this market and support organic agriculture as it
continues to grow and thrive.”
Efforts to expand the organic industry include major
trade agreements with Canada, the European Union, and Japan; access to programs
that support conservation, provide loans and grants, and fund research; and
additional provisions in the 2014 Farm Bill.
For more information on the National Organic Program,
please visit the National Agricultural Law Center’s website here.
