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Before Implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act's Produce Rule: A Survey of U.S. Produce Growers
EIB-194, August 06, 2018Among produce growers, larger growers (measured by annual produce sales) had adopted food safety practices at higher rates than smaller growers in advance of the Food Safety Modernization Act’s Produce Rule.
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Lower Conventional Corn Prices and Strong Demand for Organic Livestock Feed Spurred Increased U.S. Organic Corn Production in 2016
Amber Waves, June 04, 2018Lower Conventional Corn Prices and Strong Demand for Organic Livestock Feed Spurred Increased U.S. Organic Corn Production in 2016
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Beyond Nutrition and Organic Labels—30 Years of Experience With Intervening in Food Labels
ERR-239, November 17, 2017ERS researchers examine five food label case studies that show the economic effects and tradeoffs involved in setting product standards, verifying claims, and enforcing truthfulness.
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Growing Organic Demand Provides High-Value Opportunities for Many Types of Producers
Amber Waves, February 06, 2017In 2015, the Organic Trade Association estimated U.S. organic retail sales at $43.3 billion, showing double-digit growth during most years since 2000, when USDA set national organic standards. Since setting national organic standards, USDA has streamlined trade arrangements with multiple foreign governments to expand international markets for U.S. organic producers.
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Changes in Retail Organic Price Premiums from 2004 to 2010
ERR-209, May 24, 2016Of 17 organic food products ERS analyzed, most retail price premiums fluctuated between 2004 and 2010, neither increasing nor decreasing steadily. Only three products-fresh spinach, canned beans, and coffee-showed steady premium decreases.
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Investigating Retail Price Premiums for Organic Foods
Amber Waves, May 24, 2016Price premiums for organic foods relative to their nonorganic counterparts reflect costs to produce and bring organic foods to consumers as well as consumers' willingness to pay more for organic products. In a study of 17 commonly purchased organic foods, researchers found price premiums in 2010 ranged from 7 percent for fresh spinach to 82 percent for milk.
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Farm Production Practices To Preserve Non-Genetically Engineered Product Markets
Amber Waves, March 07, 2016To receive the price premiums associated with organic and conventional non-GE crops, producers must minimize the unintended presence of GE materials in their crops. USDA organic surveys show that producers commonly use buffer strips or delay crop planting until after any nearby GE crops are planted to minimize accidental crop mixing.
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Economic Issues in the Coexistence of Organic, Genetically Engineered (GE), and Non-GE Crops
EIB-149, February 24, 2016ERS synthesizes production data on GE crop varieties, organic crops (which exclude GE seed), and conventionally grown non-GE crops, and considers coexistence practices and economic losses due to unintended presence of GE material.
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Despite Profit Potential, Organic Field Crop Acreage Remains Low
Amber Waves, November 02, 2015Despite the strong interest in organic food in the United States, overall adoption of organic corn, soybeans, and wheat remains low.
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Price Premiums Behind Organic Field Crop Profitability
Amber Waves, September 25, 2015Organic corn and soybeans have been profitable, primarily due to the significant price premiums paid for certified organic crops that more than offset the additional economic costs. Organic wheat has been less profitable.
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The Profit Potential of Certified Organic Field Crop Production
ERR-188, July 27, 2015Organic corn, soybean, and wheat production has higher total economic costs and lower yields than conventional production. However, price premiums paid to organic producers are an important factor offsetting the higher costs.
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Managing Glyphosate Resistance May Sustain Its Efficacy and Increase Long-Term Returns to Corn and Soybean Production
Amber Waves, May 04, 2015Managing glyphosate resistance may sustain its efficacy and increase long-term returns to corn and soybean production.
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The Size and Scope of Locally Marketed Food Production
Amber Waves, February 02, 2015In 2012, 163,675 farmers sold an estimated $6.1 billion in local foods. "Local foods" includes food for human consumption sold via direct-to-consumer (e.g., farmers’ markets, on-farm stores, farm stands, pick-your-own activities, and other farmer-to-consumer venues) and intermediated marketing channels (sales directly to restaurants, grocers, schools, universities and other institutions).
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Trends in U.S. Local and Regional Food Systems: A Report to Congress
AP-068, January 29, 2015ERS details current economic information on local food producers, consumers, and policies, based on findings from several national surveys and a synthesis of recent literature.
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Returns to Organic Corn Production Were Higher Than Conventional in 2010
Amber Waves, December 01, 2014The returns and production practices for organic and conventional corn production are compared for 2010. The returns from organic corn production exceeded those from conventional production due mainly to higher organic prices that more than offset lower organic yields. Total operating and ownership costs per acre were not significantly different.
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U.S. Organic Trade Includes Fresh Produce Exports and Tropical Imports
Amber Waves, August 04, 2014The United States has developed an active organic trade sector in recent years, with organic trade partners around the world. In 2013, the United States exported organic products consisting mostly of fresh fruits and vegetables to over 80 countries, and imported organic products including coffee, bananas, and olive oil, from nearly 100 countries. Canada and Mexico were the top trade partners.
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Growth Patterns in the U.S. Organic Industry
Amber Waves, October 24, 2013While Americans economized on their food purchases during the 2007-09 recession, including purchases of organic products, growth in demand for organic products rebounded quickly following the recession. Estimated U.S. organic food sales were $28 billion in 2012 (over 4 percent of total at-home food sales), up 11 percent from 2011.
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Who Is Adopting Organic Farming Practices?
Amber Waves, October 24, 2013Education level and access to both the internet and management advice play key roles in determining who adopts organic farming practices.
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Agricultural Resources and Environmental Indicators, 2012
EIB-98, August 22, 2012The 2012 edition provides resource-and environment-related information including farmland area, productivity, irrigation, pesticide use, adoption of genetically engineered crops, fertilizer use, conservation practices, and land retirement.
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Slaughter and Processing Options and Issues for Locally Sourced Meat
LDPM-216-01, June 19, 2012ERS evaluates slaughter and processing capacity for local meat production, and the options available to livestock producers selling to local markets. Local demand is still a small share of total demand.