Growing Organic Demand Provides High-Value Opportunities for Many Types of Producers

In 2015, the Organic Trade Association estimated U.S. organic retail sales at $43.3 billion, showing double-digit growth during most years since 2000, when USDA set national organic standards. The United States had over 21,700 certified organic operations in 2015—60 percent were crop and livestock farmers, while 40 percent were processors, manufacturers, and other food handling operations. Since setting national organic standards, USDA has streamlined trade arrangements with multiple foreign governments to expand international markets for U.S. organic producers, and has also widened access for organic producers to risk management, conservation, and other farm programs.