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