U.S. FAMILY FARMERS CAN’T COMPETE WITH BIG PROCESSORS & IMPORTED ORGANICS
PROBLEM
& SOLUTION OF THE WEEK:
U.S. FAMILY FARMERS CAN’T COMPETE WITH BIG PROCESSORS &
IMPORTED ORGANICS
Problem:
- The
value of U.S. organic imports now exceeds exports by a ratio
of approximately 8 to 1. - In
California, which grows 40% of US organics, the number of
acres transitioning into organic are now nearly balanced by
the acres transitioning out. Evidently, many farmers aren’t
making enough money growing organically to remain certified,
despite the booming retail market. - In
the U.S., organic food accounts for about 2.5 percent of all
food sales. But out in the field, just 0.2 percent of farmland
is under organic production.
Source: /articles/article_4587.cfm
Solution:
BUY LOCAL WITH OCA’S NEW ORGANIC & GREEN BUSINESS DIRECTORY
Buying locally, direct from farmers, or at your community-owned
co-op, is one of the best ways to ensure that farmers are getting
a fair shake. That’s why the OCA is proud to announce the launch
of one of the most expansive online directories of organic and
green businesses. Now local food is just a few clicks away!
/old_articles/btc/BuyingGuide.cfm