According to an article published by The Gazette titled “Organic acreage continues its steady climb,” many states have been increasing their organic acreage since the late 90s. In 2002, as the demand for organic produce grew, the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture finally issued national standards for organic farming, which prompted many growers to switch to natural, organic processes. Missouri, as an example, actually increased its organic acreage “six-fold in the past 15 years.”
The increase in acreage as also led to the rise in organic food sales. The article says a recent report from the USDA found that U.S. organic food sales increased 11 percent from 2011 to 2012. Last year, the organic food market generated $28 billion in sales.
In the article, Cathy Greene, an economist with the USDA’s Economic Research Service, says, “Overall, we’re still seeing a lot of positive growth in the organics sector.”
A representative from Colle Farmers Market, an organic farming advocate, affirms that the number of organic farms is growing. “With the rise in consumer awareness of the benefits of organic food, many farmers are making the switch,” he says. “Farmers can see the value in growing fresher, healthier, more sustainable crops, and states do too.
"We see more and more local governments implementing programs to increase the amount of organic food people consume. Some cities have even made it easier and affordable for farmers to find land to plant organic crops. As long as organic acreage continues to grow steadily, we can be assured that people are still interested in the organic food market and living a healthier life.”
Colle Farmers Market is an E-Commerce enabled community that is passionate about sustainable consumption and responsible conservation. The Colle movement is dedicated to connecting natural product vendors, organic farmers and all people who are living an organic and natural lifestyle.