A news release today from the U.S. Department of Agriculture indicated that, “Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) released the results of the 2015 Certified Organic Survey, which show that 12,818 certified organic farms in the United States sold a total of $6.2 billion in organic products in 2015, up 13 percent from $5.5 billion in 2014. California and Wisconsin had the largest number of certified organic farms with 2,637 and 1,205 respectively.
“The top 10 states in terms of sales accounted for 78 percent of total U.S. certified organic sales in 2014 and in 2015, showing continued national leadership by California with $2.4 billion, up $205 million since 2014. Additionally, the industry shows potential for growth in production as existing organic producers are transitioning another 151,000 acres nationally to organic production.”
Graph From USDA’s 2015 Certified Organic Survey
The USDA release added that, “The vast majority of certified organic agricultural products sold in 2015 were sold close to the farm or ranch, with many growers having multiple outlets. The first point of sale for 75 percent of all U.S. organic farms and ranches was within 100 miles from the farm and 35 percent was 100-499 miles away, virtually unchanged since 2014.
“Additionally, 71 percent of U.S. certified organic farms and ranches reported selling products to wholesale markets. 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 and ranchers to get their products to customers. Thirty-six percent sold directly to consumers and 22 percent sold directly to retail markets and institutions.”
A two-page overview of today’s USDA report is available here.
