Advantages of Organic Farming Are Recognized
in Farming Communities

 

Organic farming is a fast growing agricultural segment in North America. In the United States, organic farmers dedicate more than 4.8 million acres to organic food production. California leads other states in certified organic lands with more than 430,000 acres producing organic fruit and vegetables.

 

For more information on US organic production data, visit the USDA Economic Research Services site.

 

In Canada, land dedicated to organic farming is in excess of 1.3 million acres, with the province of Saskatchewan leading the country with .75 million acres. The organic agriculture centre of Canada is engaged in numerous scientific studies on the benefits of organic farming and strategies organic farmers can use to build more profitable farm businesses.

Organic farming faces challenges such as higher management costs; the risks of learning new farming methods, a fragmented industry that is still young; the high cost of marketing the value of organic foods and farming; and the high cost of consumer engagement.

 

However, those organic farmers who commit to this agricultural segment find that the pay-offs in higher

value added markets and in the conservation of non-renewable resources,

along with lower input costs of using natural production systems, are worth it.