Maine Sees Jump in Number of Organic Farms

Organic food sales have surged as the public consumes more fruits, vegetables, pastas, dairy and meats raised and grown without most pesticides, genetically modified crops or antibiotics, among other stringent requirements.

Officials from the originial and Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association instructed the Bangor Daily News a few days ago some are now check about 472 organic farmsteads inside of the area.

Despite the boom in organic farming – organic food revenue has tripled the past decade to a record $36 billion previous year – it remains a small fraction of the $630 billion in total supermarket sales reported in 2014 by Progressive Grocer Magazine. But by the total number of new farms added, Maine outpaced fastest-growing Indiana, which added 134 organic farms, according to the 2014 Organic Survey.

“These rewards will enable with the creation of appropriate safety packages made to help natural and organic producers”, Reilly said.

Joseph Reilly, administrator with NASS, said producers “expect to expand US organic production in the coming years”.

The survey also reviewed top states for organic sales value, finding California leading the way with $2.2 billion.

Organic producers are able to get their products from farm to table more efficiently as their products dont travel far to the consumer.

Additionally, 63 percent of US organic farms reported selling products to wholesale markets. Nearly half was sold within 100 miles of the farm and two percent was sold internationally.

Sales are geographically concentrated, with 10 states accounting for 78 percent of business in 2014, according to the USDA.

The survey is part of the Census of Agriculture program and was conducted by NASS in conjunction with USDA’s Risk Management Agency to provide objective information to serve the organic industry. In addition, join NASS for a webinar about the 2014 Organic Survey, hosted by the USDA Organic Working Group, on September 29, from 1:00-2:00 p.m. ET. To join the webinar, visit www.readytalk.com, dial 1-866-740-1260, and use passcode 720 6000.