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.
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