features
U.S. Organic Farming in 2000-2001: Adoption of Certified Systems—U.S. farmland managed under organic farming systems expanded rapidly throughout the 1990s, and that pace has continued as farmers strive to meet consumer demand in both local and national markets. An increasing number of U.S. farmers are adopting these systems in order to lower input costs, conserve nonrenewable resources, capture high-value markets, and boost farm income. This report updates USDA estimates of land farmed with organic practices during 1997 with estimates for 2000 and 2001, and provides new estimates on the number of certified organic operations in each State. AIB-780 (4/03).

Recent Growth Patterns in the U.S. Organic Foods Market—As consumer interest in organic foods continues to gather momentum in the U.S., many firms are specializing in growing, processing, and marketing an ever-widening array of organic products. This report provides economic research on recent growth patterns in the U.S. organic sector, by market category, and a description of the marketing channels for major organic commodity groups. It summarizes USDA research, regulatory, and other ongoing programs on organic agriculture. AIB-777 (9/02)

recommended readings

Organic Produce, Price Premiums, and Eco-Labeling in U.S. Farmers' Markets—The popularity of farmers' markets in the United States has grown concurrently with organic production and consumer interest in locally and organically produced foods. This research, based on interviews with 210 market managers, describes the significance of these markets as outlets for many organic farmers, and recent shifts in relationships between organic growers, market managers, and customers. (04/04)

Organic Agriculture:Gaining Ground—Organic agriculture is expanding rapidly in the United States, as consumer interest continues to gather momentum and new organic production and marketing systems evolve. In the wake of USDA's implementation of national organic standards in October 2002, continued growth in the industry is expected. Amber Waves (02/03).

See all recommended readings...

recommended data products

Organic Wholesale Prices—Provides wholesale prices for select conventional and organic fresh produce items in the San Francisco and Boston wholesale markets, based on USDA Agricultural Marketing Service surveys for 1995-2001. (11/02)

U.S. Organic Agriculture—Newly revised, this product provides 39 tables showing the change in U.S. organic acreage and livestock numbers from 1992 to 2001. Data for 1997, 2000, and 2001 are presented by State and commodity. Data for 2000 and 2001 for the first time include the number of certified operations, by State. (10/02)

recent research developments
Meetings, conferences, and activities of ERS researchers in the organic farming and marketing area.

questions and answers
What does "certified organic" mean? Find the answer to this and other commonly asked questions on organic farming.

What is the size of the U.S. market for organic foods? Find the answer to this and other commonly asked questions on organic marketing.

related links
Agricultural Marketing Service, National Organic Program—National standards that govern the marketing of organically produced agricultural products.

OECD Workshop on Organic Agriculture—The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) recently published the Proceedings of a workshop that was hosted by the USDA examining the economic, environmental and social impacts of organic agriculture in relation to "integrated" and "conventional" farming systems.

See all related links...

related briefing room(s)
Traceability In the U.S. Food System

maps and images gallery
Organic Agriculture Poster

U.S. certified organic farmland and operations by State, 2001

Top States with certified organic crops in 2001

Distribution of farmers' markets across the United States

for more information, contact:
Catherine Greene (farming) Carolyn Dimitri (marketing)
web administration: webadmin@ers.usda.gov
page updated: April 22, 2004