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Organic industry continues growth

The USDA reports a record number of certified organic operations in the U.S.

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) says the number of certified organic operations in the country exceeds 19,000, up more than five-percent since last year. What’s even more eye catching, since 2002, when the count began, domestic organic operations increased more than 250-percent.

Speaking at the Organic Trade Association meeting April 15,, Secretary Vilsack said USDA has a number of resources and programs available to ensure the continued growth of the organic industry.

“Organics has sort of infiltrated throughout all aspects of USDA and I think that’s an important part,” Vilsack said.

That record growth in the organic industry was a focus at Organic Valley’s recent annual meeting.

In 2014, the nation’s largest cooperative of organic farmers had record sales of $972 million and a profit of $14.5 million. The co-op also implemented a record increase in farmers’ pay price, which went up in most regions by 10 percent, on average.

Organic Valley represents nearly 1,800 farmers in 36 states.