The demand for organic food is increasing so fast that US growers can’t keep up with the demand. This increase in demand food, coupled with the number of organic farmers in America dropping, prompted the U.S. Department of Agriculture to promise up to $300 million to recruit farmers to make the switch.
According to Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s Organic Agriculture Specialist Cassie Dahl, her state is not immune to the loss of organic farmers. In 2020, there were 734 organic-certified farms. In 2021, there were 682. She attributes most of that loss to farmer retirement.
When an existing conventional farm tries to switch to organic-certified, Dahl says most new farmers struggle in the 3-year transition period. The biggest hurdle is this period, and the financial commitments during that time. But even with those hurdles, Dahl says many farms consider making the switch.
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture reports 682 organic-certified farms and 255 certified processors in the state. Dahl says the most common organic crops are corn, soybeans, and hay.
Source: wjon.com