Some fear U.S. lacks enough organic farmers to keep up with rising demand from consumers

Organic products are growing so quickly in popularity that some fear the agricultural industry lacks enough producers to meet the growing demand of consumers, reports Agri-Pulse, a Washington newsletter. Currently 18,000 certified organic operators live in the U.S. and 25,000 worldwide.

Laura Batcha, executive director of the Organic Trade Association, said "sales of organic food and non-food products in the U.S. grew by almost 12 percent last year, with similar growth expected this year," Agri-Pulse writes. "Total sales, she said, have topped $35 billion, up from $3 billion back in 2002. But she said the industry is running into a serious problem attracting new suppliers, especially in dairy, where the growth rate was about 8 percent."

Anne Alonzo, administrator of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's marketing service, said there are plenty of funding opportunities for organic farmers, Agri-Pulse writes. "Alonzo pointed to the work the agency is doing to implement provisions of the new Farm Bill, including laying the groundwork for the establishment of an organic check-off program that, in a first, would be spread across all organic commodities. She also described a USDA program that provides farmers transitioning to organic with up to $750 a year to help pay for certification costs." She said, “The money is there for you—take advantage of it." Agri-Pulse is subscription only, but a free trial is available by clicking here.