USDA commits $40M to bolster U.S. production of organic foods

In response to escalating consumer interest in organic foods, the USDA has launched an initiative to boost domestic production and address increasing reliance on imports.

In response to burgeoning consumer demand for organic foods across the United States, the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) has launched a substantial initiative to ramp up domestic production of sustainable crops. This strategic move reflects a sustained uptick in consumer preference for organic products since the early 2000s.

Recent findings by USDA economists reveal a significant surge in both domestic production and imports of organic foods. However, the value of high-value commodities like blueberries, avocados, and coffee has witnessed a downturn, partly attributed to tariff implications. Despite the tariff hurdles, which contribute to 60% of the value of tracked imports, the USDA recognizes the pressing need to meet the surging consumer demand for organic products.

In a bid to address this imperative, the Agricultural Marketing Service has earmarked substantial funding to support over 50 projects through the Organic Market Development Grant Program.

With an allocation surpassing $40 million, these grant projects span a gamut of initiatives designed to cultivate new and existing organic markets, bolster infrastructure, and harness cutting-edge technologies to cater to the burgeoning demand. Projections suggest that this financial infusion will benefit upwards of 27,000 producers and nearly 32 million consumers nationwide.

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