Apples, Lettuce Among Top Organic Crops Produced
September 22, 2015 Apples and lettuce were among the top five organic crops released in the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) 2014 Organic Survey results, which show that 14,093 certified and exempt organic farms in the U.S. sold a total of $5.5 billion in organic products in 2014, up 72% since 2008.
The top 10 states in sales accounted for 78% of U.S. organic sales in 2014, with California leading the nation with $2.2 billion. Additionally, the industry shows potential for growth in production as approximately 5,300 organic producers (39%) report that they intend to increase organic production in the United States over the next five years. Another 688 farms with no current organic production are in the process of transitioning into organic agriculture production.
“Producers reported in the 2014 Organic Survey that they expect to expand U.S. organic production in the coming years, making the data even more important for policy and programs. These results will assist with the development of appropriate risk management programs designed to help organic producers,” Joseph T. Reilly, NASS administrator said. “The report also shows that organic producers are providing a wide variety of products to customers and are getting those items from farm to table more efficiently.”
The selection of organic products sold by U.S. farms in 2014 was diverse, from dairy and proteins, to fruits, vegetables, and grains. Of the top five commodities in organic sales, the top specialty crops were:
- Lettuce, $264 million
- Apples, $250 million
The vast majority of organic agricultural products sold in 2014 were sold close to the farm. According to the report, the first point of sale for 80% of all U.S. organic products was less than 500 miles from the farm, compared to 74% in 2008. Of the sales of organic products in 2014:
- 46% were sold within 100 miles;
- 34% were sold 101-499 miles;
- 18% were sold 500 or more miles;
- 2% were sold internationally.
Additionally, 6 % of U.S. organic farms reported selling products to wholesale markets. These sales accounted for 78% of U.S. organic farm sales. Wholesale markets, such as buyers for supermarkets, processors, distributors, packers and cooperatives, were serving as the marketing channel of choice for U.S. organic farmers to get organic agriculture products to customers.
“This report helps show a more complete picture of the U.S. organic industry at the national and state levels,” Reilly says. “The 2014 Organic Survey data will serve as a valuable resource as the agriculture industry continues to look for ways to meet agricultural challenges and consumer needs in the 21st century.”
Join NASS for a webinar about the 2014 Organic Survey, hosted by the USDA Organic Working Group, on Sept. 29, from 1:00-2:00 p.m. EST. To join the webinar, visit www.readytalk.com, call 866-740-1260, and use passcode 720 6000.
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