USDA experts share organic growth, challenges, priorities

Organic sales have risen 31%, and the number of organic farms has increased 17% between 2008 and 2019, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

And organic fresh fruits and vegetables dominate the sector in U.S. production, international trade and consumer purchases.

Scientists, economists and organic experts shared their latest statistics and in-depth intelligence at the USDA’s 97th annual Agricultural Outlook Forum, themed “Building on Innovation: A Pathway to Resilience.”

The Organic Outlook session, with three speakers and at least 192 attendees, was Feb. 19.

Organic is the fastest growing food category in America, and the COVID-19 pandemic had significant impacts on the sector as consumers drastically shifted some of their consumption and buying patterns and supply chains were challenged.

Organic vegetables do even better than fruit at retail, reaching $16 billion in sales in 2019, said Andrea Carlson, economist of the food economics division of the USDA Economic Research Service.