CALIFORNIA — There are many reasons why organic farming is becoming increasingly popular in the United States, as more and more consumers opt for it.
According to the USDA, the number of certified organic farms in the US has been steadily increasing since the 1990s. In 2020, there were over 28,000 certified organic farms in the US, a 4% increase from the previous year.
The organic food market in the US is also growing, with sales of organic products reaching $55 billion in 2020.
One of the main reasons for the growing popularity of organic farming in the US is increasing consumer demand for organic products. Many consumers are concerned about the health and environmental impact of conventionally grown food, and are willing to pay a premium for organic products.
Many believe that organic food is safer, healthier, and more nutritious than conventionally grown food. Organic farming methods are considered to be more sustainable, as they promote soil health, biodiversity and reduce the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers which harm the environment.
Another reason for the popularity of organic farming is the increasing awareness of the negative impact of conventional farming practices on the environment.
Organic farming emphasizes on preserving the natural environment, it reduces the use of synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, and other chemicals that can harm the environment. Organic farmers also use techniques such as crop rotation, cover cropping, and composting to improve soil health and reduce erosion.
Additionally, organic farming is creating jobs and supporting rural communities in the US. As more consumers choose organic products, the demand for organic farmers and processors is increasing, creating economic opportunities in rural areas.
Moreover, the organic farming industry is also receiving more support from the government in the US. The USDA National Organic Program (NOP) has established a system of certification for organic agriculture, which ensures that organic products meet strict standards for production and handling. This certification makes it easier for consumers to identify and trust organic products.
However, it’s worth noting that organic farming is still a small percentage of total agriculture in the US, and there are challenges that the organic farmers are facing such as higher costs, lack of access to markets and lack of support from government. Organic farming is more labor-intensive and requires more land than conventional farming, which makes it more expensive. Additionally, organic farmers often have difficulty accessing markets and finding buyers for their products.
According to Global Trade, within the nearly $10 billion organic food market, milk, chicken, and eggs are the top-selling products. Organic milk leads all products with sales of more than $1.5 billion per year, while chicken sees $1.1 billion in sales annually and eggs generate $887 million. Apples are the top-selling form of organic produce, with $475 million in annual sales.
In conclusion, organic farming is becoming increasingly popular in the United States due to increasing consumer demand for organic products, growing awareness of the environmental benefits of organic farming, support for rural communities, and government support.
However, the organic farming industry still faces challenges such as higher costs, lack of access to markets and lack of support from government.
