Washington, DC
August 27, 2007
Source:
USDA Economic Research Service
http://www.ers.usda.gov/Briefing/Organic/
Overview
Organic farming has become one
of the fastest growing segments of U.S. agriculture. U.S.
producers are turning to certified organic farming systems as a
potential way to lower input costs, decrease reliance on
nonrenewable resources, capture high-value markets and premium
prices, and boost farm income. Organic farming systems rely on
ecologically based practices, such as cultural and biological
pest management, and virtually exclude the use of synthetic
chemicals in crop production and prohibit the use of antibiotics
and hormones in livestock production. Many producers,
manufacturers, distributors, and retailers specialize in
growing, processing, and marketing an ever widening array of
organic food and fiber products.
Features
U.S. Organic
Agricultural Production in 2005—In 2005, for the first time,
all 50 States in the U.S. had some certified organic farmland.
This data set provides information on organic operations and
acreage for crops and livestock (over 40 commodities), with some
tables dating back to 1992. Data for 2000-2005 also include the
number of certified operations, by State (12/06).
Organic Demand: A Profile of Consumers in the Fresh Produce
Market —The study analyzes Nielsen Homescan data from 2001
and 2004 to determine the characteristics of organic consumers,
what they buy, how much they spend, and the price premiums they
pay for organic produce (4/07).
Retail and Consumer Aspects of the Organic Milk Market—Consumer
interest in organic milk has burgeoned, resulting in rapid
growth in retail sales of organic milk. Most organic milk is
sold in supermarkets, and organic price premiums are large and
vary by region (5/07).
Milk Production Costs and Returns in 2005—USDA's 2005
Agricultural Resource Management Survey (ARMS) included a
sub-sample of organic dairies and collected detailed information
about the production practices and costs on dairy farms in 24
States representing over 90 percent of national milk
production. Estimates of milk costs and returns are available
from the survey for 2005, by State and size of operation for
all milk producers and for
conventional and
organic dairies. For more information, see the report
A Comparison of Conventional and Organic Milk Production Systems
in the U.S. (5/07).
Organic Poultry and Eggs Capture High Price Premiums and Growing
Share of Specialty Markets—Organic poultry and egg markets
in the United States are expanding rapidly. This report examines
trends in markets, animal numbers, and prices. Price comparisons
between organic and conventional show significant organic price
premiums for both broilers and eggs (12/06).
Organic Agriculture: Innovations in Organic Marketing,
Technology, and Research—Symposium Proceedings of a workshop
held October 2005 at ERS, on the Plant Management Network
website. The workshop examined producer options and obstacles,
market growth, educational resources, benefits assessment, and
research opportunities (9/06).
EU and U.S. Organic Markets Face Strong Demand Under Different
Policies—Many European Union (EU) countries have "green
payments" available for transitioning and continuing organic
farmers. By contrast, the U.S. Government has largely taken a
free-market approach to the organic sector. Despite the
different approaches, both regions have large retail markets for
organic foods. For the full report, see
Market-Led Growth vs. Government-Facilitated Growth: Development
of the U.S. and EU Organic Agricultural Sectors (2/06,
8/05).
Price Premiums Hold on as U.S. Organic Produce Market Expands—Price
premiums for organic products have contributed to growth in
certified organic farmland and, ultimately, market expansion.
This article explores price premiums and market margins for a
limited set of fresh produce items—carrots, broccoli, and
mesclun mix (5/05).
Recommended Readings
Organic Produce, Price Premiums, and Eco-Labeling in U.S.
Farmers' Markets—The popularity of farmers' markets in the
United States has grown concurrently with organic production and
consumer interest in locally and organically produced foods.
This research describes the significance of farmers' markets as
market outlets for many organic farmers, and recent shifts in
relationships between organic growers, market managers, and
customers (4/04).
Recent
Growth Patterns in the U.S. Organic Foods Market—As consumer
interest in organic foods continues to gather momentum in the
U.S., many firms are specializing in growing, processing, and
marketing an ever-widening array of organic products. This
report provides economic research on recent growth patterns in
the U.S. organic sector, by market category, and a description
of the marketing channels for major organic commodity groups. It
summarizes USDA research, regulatory, and other ongoing programs
on organic agriculture (9/02).
U.S. Organic Farm Sector Continues to Expand—Organic
agriculture is expanding rapidly in the United States, as
consumer interest continues to gather momentum and new organic
production and marketing systems evolve. This article looks at
changes in organic crop acreage from 1997-2003 (Amber Waves,
3/06).
See all recommended readings...
Recommended Data Products
U.S. Organic
Agriculture, 1992-2005—Newly revised, this product updates
USDA estimates of U.S. organic acreage and livestock numbers to
2005. Data are presented by State and commodity for 1997 and
2000-2005 (12/06).
Organic
Farmgate and Wholesale Prices—Provides farmgate and
wholesale prices for select organic and conventional produce
items for the Boston and San Francisco markets for 1995-2006.
New data (2004-2006) on price comparisons between organic and
conventional broilers and eggs show significant organic price
premiums for both (2/07).
Related Links
Agricultural
Marketing Service, National Organic Program—National
standards that govern the marketing of organically produced
agricultural products.
OECD Workshop on Organic Agriculture—The Organization for
Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) recently published
the Proceedings of a workshop that was hosted by the USDA
examining the economic, environmental and social impacts of
organic agriculture in relation to "integrated" and
"conventional" farming systems.
See
all related links...
Maps and Images Gallery
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Certified Organic Handling Facilities in the U.S., 2004
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New organic product introductions and sales of organic food
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Organic Agriculture Poster
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U.S. certified organic farmland and operations by State, 2005
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Top States with certified organic crops in 2005
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Distribution of farmers' markets across the United States
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Demand for organic products in 210 U.S. farmers' markets
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