There are now 21,781 certified organic food operations in the United States – an increase of 12 percent between 2014 and 2015. This also represents a 300 percent increase since 2002, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Data from the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service’s National Organic Program shows the 12 percent rise is the highest annual increase since 2008 in what USDA Secretary Vilsack describes as “the fasting growing segment of American agriculture” adding that “as consumer demand for organic products continues to grow, the USDA organic seal has become a leading global standard.” The total retail market for organic products is now valued at more than $39 billion in the United States and over $75 billion worldwide.
A number of resources have been established by USDA to help organic food producers find technical and financial assistance so they can grow domestically and abroad. In 2015, USDA made more than $11.5 million available to assist organic operations with their certification costs and to access programs that support conservation, provide access to loans and grants, fund organic research and education, and mitigate threats from pests and diseases.