Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association < oeffa @ oeffa . org >
New Study Highlights Opportunities for Organic Agriculture
Contact : Amalie Lipstreu , Policy Program Coordinator , ( 614 ) 421-2022 Ext . 208 , amalie @ oeffa . org Lauren Ketcham , Communications Coordinator , ( 614 ) 421-2022 Ext . 203 , lauren @ oeffa . org
Columbus , OH — A government survey of U . S . organic farms shows Ohio ’ s growth in organic sales follow the national trend , and while the number of organic farms in Ohio fell slightly over the past five years , Ohio farmland in organic production has increased by more than 10,000 acres since 2008 .
The United States Department of Agriculture ’ s National Agriculture Statistics Service ( USDA NASS ) released results from the 2014 Organic Production Survey this week , revealing a 72 percent increase in organic sales since 2008 , as well as a slight decrease in the number of organic farmers and total organic acreage in the U . S .
“ While the decrease in the number of organic farms nationally and in Ohio is a concern , Ohio remains in the top 10 of states in the number of organic farms in operation ,” said Amalie Lipstreu , Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association ( OEFFA ) Policy Program Coordinator .
More than 40 percent of Ohio organic farmers earn between 75 and 100 percent of their income from organic farming . “ The data show that organic farming provides a full time occupation for many farmers and there is a future in organic production as demand outpaces supply for organic food in the U . S .,” said Lipstreu .
These results also show a strong commitment to the organic market as more than 40 percent of Ohio ’ s organic farmers plan to increase organic production . In 2015 , OEFFA has also seen an increase in the number of farmers seeking certification for the first time .
While 78 percent of organic sales are to wholesale markets , the first point of sale for 80 percent of all U . S . organic products was less than 500 miles from the farm . “ The growth of local and regional food systems as well as access to large wholesale markets provide huge growth opportunities for organic farmers ,” said Lipstreu .
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