Survey: Top questions about organic from consumers, and the biggest market opportunity 

What is the top question that organic produce marketers receive from consumers? That was a question The Packer asked in a recent survey of organic marketers. 

Here are selected answers to “The number one question I get from consumers about organic produce is...:
    

• “Curiosities around how it was grown and how they can know it’s organic.” - Brianna Shales, marketing director for Stemilt Growers, Wenatchee, Wash. 
• “The thing I get asked most is, are these apples sprayed with anything?” - Dan Davis, Director of Business Development, Oneonta Starr Ranch Growers, Wenatchee, Wash.
• “Are there pesticides used on this product?” - Chuck Sinks, Sage Fruit Company, president of sales and marketing, Yakima, Wash.
• “How can I tell if it is real?” - Dave Chapman, Co-Director, Real Organic Project, Co-owner Long Wind Farm, East Thetford, Vt.
• “Your produce looks too good to be organic! - Mark Munger, vice president of marketing, 4Earth Farms, Commerce, Calif.
• “Is it truly organic? What’s the growing process of organic vs. conventional?” - Jennifer Pierce, sales and marketing representative for Bay Baby Produce, Mount Vernon, Wash.

Another question from The Packer’s organic survey looked at, “The biggest future issue opportunity in the organic market is....

•  “It’s not really related to our crops, but CEA continues to be a hot button conversation around organic. I see lots of opportunities to help sell organic produce in new ways as the omnichannel strategies continue to unfold across retail.” -Brianna Shales, marketing director for Stemilt Growers, Wenatchee, Wash.
•  “Increased presence and profile in the produce department. I think we’ve just scratched the surface at this point of saturation on organic product. We’re at a point of availability that we can now offer much more selection and highlight that.” - Dan Davis, Director of Business Development, Oneonta Starr Ranch Growers, Wenatchee, Wash.
• “Continuing to advance the storing process of organic apples which will enable us to offer all varieties year-round.” - Chuck Sinks, Sage Fruit Company, president of sales and marketing, Yakima, Wash.
• “Organic is growing faster in the EU due to real government support of the sector. If Certified Organic could regain the trust of its base, it could grow to the levels achieved in Denmark.” - Dave Chapman, Co-Director, Real Organic Project, Co-owner Long Wind Farm, East Thetford, Vt.
• “Affordable sustainable packaging solutions.” Mark Munger, vice president of marketing, 4Earth Farms, Commerce, Calif.