Organic Agriculture in the U.S.: Key Insights from USDA Economic Research Service
Growth and Market Trends
Since the 1990s, demand for organic products has grown in the United States. Farmers see rising demand and expand their organic fields. USDA’s NASS shows clear numbers from 2011 to 2021.
• Certified organic cropland rose by 79% to 3.6 million acres.
• Certified organic operations grew over 90% to reach 17,445 farms.
• Organic pastureland and rangeland dropped by 22% to 1.3 million acres.
Organic food now finds a home in mainstream stores. In 2020, grocery stores, club stores, and supercenters made up 56% of organic food sales. These outlets surpassed natural food stores.
Organic Food Sales and Consumer Behavior
Organic food sales climbed to about $65.4 billion in 2024. This is a strong rise from $38.6 billion in 2012.
• Fresh fruits and vegetables remain the largest organic food group, with retail sales of $21.5 billion in 2021. They make up around 33% of total organic sales by 2024.
• Organic milk production grew slightly by 1% from 2019 to 2021, reaching 5.2 billion pounds. At the same time, organic plant-based milks, like soymilk and almond milk, gained more buyers.
• In 2024, mass-market retailers handled 55% of organic sales. More than 33% came from natural and specialty stores. Internet sales rose from 2% in 2012 to 6.7% in 2024. ### Pricing and Production Costs
Organic products usually have higher prices than conventional ones.
• USDA’s AMS tells us that organic fruits, vegetables, grains, poultry, eggs, and dairy come with a price premium.
• Some organic produce—like strawberries, spinach, and apples—now have lower wholesale premiums.
• A study from ERS (2004–2010) found that most organic items had a retail price premium of over 20%, even as these premiums did change across categories.
• Organic farms face higher production costs, but the price premiums help keep them viable.
Consumer Demographics and Motivation
Consumers of organic foods come from many backgrounds.
• Over 80% of U.S. households bought organic food in 2016.
• Millennials, born in the early to mid-1980s, buy organic more than older groups.
• Health, environmental care, and animal welfare guide these choices. Many consumers are happy to pay extra for these values.
Organic Trade and Imports
Trade is a key side of the organic supply chain.
• The U.S. Department of Commerce has tracked organic product data since 2011.
• Imports grew as more products became covered and high-value items like fresh blueberries and squash entered trade.
• Importers must be USDA-certified or work with international agreements to meet organic standards.
References and Further Reading
• USDA Economic Research Service (ERS), Organic Agriculture, updated January 27, 2026
• Organic Trade Association, Organic Market Data 2025
• Organic Situation Report, ERS 2025 Edition
• Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Market News Reports
This overview shows that organic agriculture in the U.S. is expanding and becoming mainstream. Consumers, retailers, and economic forces all help shape a strong, organic future.
Design Delight Studio curates high-impact, authoritative insights into sustainable and organic product trends, helping conscious consumers and innovative brands stay ahead in a fast-evolving green economy.
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