2021 Year in Review — Organics increasing

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The popularity spike of organics in 2020 wasn’t maintained in 2021, but it’s higher than in 2019 and it’s expected to grow in 2022. 1857_GOPEX 2022_editorial year in review (002)

The health halo and younger consumers are some reasons we’re seeing growth. There have been policy changes, with hydroponics approved for USDA-certified organics and revisiting what synthetic substances are allowed. Organic imports are increasing, too.

Organic produce market to grow up to 10% in 2022

November 3

By Allison Gibeson

With younger consumers driving growth, the organic produce sector will likely experience 5% to 10% growth in sales dollars in 2022, according to Mike Mauti, managing partner of Canada-based Execulytics Consulting.

That growth will largely be driven by those under 25 increasing their purchasing power, he said.

U.S. organic imports growing from Mexico, Peru

Nov. 2

By Tom Karst

U.S. imports of organic fresh produce from Mexico and Peru are growing fast, USDA trade numbers reveal.

U.S. trade statistics from September 2020 through August 2021 showed Mexican organic avocados topped all organic produce exports to the U.S. in value for the most recent 12-month period.

Rabobank report evaluates what is next for organic produce growth beyond pandemic bounce

Nov. 1

By Tom Karst

The pandemic was very good for organic produce demand, and new research from Rabobank looks at the reasons behind that surge and what may be next for the sector.

Rabobank fruit, vegetable and nut analyst Almuhanad Melhim authored the October report called “The State of North American Organic Produce: A Closer Look at Post-Pandemic Trends and Emerging Issues.”

In the report, Melhim considered why the growth rate of retail organic food sales will likely decline after the pandemic effect wanes. Even so, Melhim’s analysis indicates retail organic sales will remain higher than the pre-pandemic rate.

USDA proposes to drop approved substances

August 25

By Tom Karst

The USDA has issued a proposed rule in the Federal Register to amend the approved list for organic agriculture production.

Based on recommendations submitted at the conclusion of the National Organic Standards Board sunset review process, the USDA is proposing to amend the National List by removing sucrose octanoate esters and vitamin B1, both synthetic substances currently allowed in organic crop production.

Retail organic growth a step slower in second quarter, but still easily beats conventional

August 17

By Tom Karst

Retail organic produce growth took a step back in the second quarter of 2021, but the category performance was still well ahead of conventional produce.

A report published by the Organic Produce Network and prepared by Category Partners using Nielsen data revealed that total organic dollars during the April through June period increased by 4.1% compared with the same period a year ago.

By way of contrast, conventional produce sales in the second quarter declined by 3.3% compared with year-ago levels.

What the Organic Trade Association is doing for produce

August 10

By Amy Sowder

The Organic Trade Association is always pushing for legislation on climate change and continuous improvement and accountability in organic standards.

But Johanna Mirenda, farm policy director, is also laser-focused on the organic fresh produce industry, specifically in two ways.

“Modernizing the system for review of inert ingredients is a priority of the organic industry,” Mirenda said.

That’s one push. The other effort is everything coming up at the Oct. 19-21 USDA National Organic Standards Board meeting in Sacramento, Calif.

What we learned at Global Organic Produce Expo

August 9

By Brooke Park

The Global Organic Produce Expo golf tournament, Aug. 5 to 6 at the TPC Sawgrass Stadium Golf Course in Florida, offered insights into how major produce companies weathered the pandemic of 2020, what's new and exciting in 2021, and what's ahead for 2022.

Organic retail and foodservice buyers, wholesalers/distributors, suppliers, packers, growers, shippers and allied members of the produce industry gathered from across the Americas to network and talk business at GOPEX Golf.

Colorado indoor farm Spring Born goes organic

June 1

By Amy Sowder

Silt, Colo.-based Spring Born, a 3.5-acre indoor hydroponic greenhouse, will be one of the first leafy green farms in Colorado to undergo organic certification by the USDA.

Revol Greens doubles production capacity to meet organic demand

By Amy Sowder

May 14

Owatonna, Minn.-based Revol Greens is expanding its production capacity after selling out of its new organic spring mix, green and red duo, and romaine crunch line, launched in the first quarter of 2021. The line is produced using a new, proprietary Plant Fed organic fertilizer, free of animal byproducts.

Organic demand running strong again in 2021

April 22

By Tom Karst

Comparisons with the pandemic year of 2020 are difficult to make, but most organic marketers see continuing momentum for organics in 2021 after COVID-19 set new records for retail sales.

Health halo, millennial interest drive growth for organic produce

By Ashley Nickle

April 20

The organic produce category continues to see growth thanks to a devoted group of core shoppers, high interest among younger generations, and the perception that organic is healthier than conventional.

Organic fresh produce sales totaled $7.4 billion in 2020, up 15.2% from 2019, according to the new Power of Produce report from food industry association FMI. Fifty-nine percent of shoppers have bought organic produce in the past three months, and about one-third of that group say they will purchase more in the next year.

Judge rules in favor of USDA’s certification of organic hydroponic producers

March 22

By Tom Karst

A ruling issued March 19 by the U.S. District Court in San Francisco has upheld the legality of USDA certification of organic hydroponic operations.

The issue of certification of hydroponic operations has been a point of contention since the mid-1990s.

USDA experts share organic growth, challenges, priorities

February 22

By Amy Sowder

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

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.”

 

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