The American organic food market has grown at an accelerated rhythm over the last decade. Green, clean products are now a lot more visible with mainstream retailers particularly since they bring clear health benefits and a better hope for the environment. Statistics indicate that Americans occupy the first position in consumers’ top for organic food. Western Europe is the second largest organic food market in the world.
More and more hectares of farmland are now managed organically. Exports have increased the economic perspective on organic agriculture and farming even in third world countries. Since the demand for clean products is so high on the international market, it could be a really good business to produce quality food and sell it abroad. There are financial aids and government products that support the development of such agriculture sectors.
The biggest growth rate for the organic food market was reported between 2002 and 2008, and although the expansion continues it takes place at a slower rate than before. Organic farms generally supply local markets, which is why regional development has played a serious role in the context. It all depends on the extent of the farming project and the amount of crops that the farmers harvest locally. If sales are not directed locally, farmers try to export and even sell on the Internet to make sure they sell their products.
The slowing of the growth rates has been explained by the process of recession that has affected countries worldwide. It is in such time that the commitment of the consumer to organic food has been seriously tested. Sales have been a bit smaller than in previous years, yet, the organic food market has maintained an ascending course even through the 2008-2009 financial crisis. It seems that many people’s wallets have remained green even in critical moments. The most serious drops on the organic food market have been reported in Britain, one of the most expensive countries to live in, in the world.
Would consumers cut back on organic food or not? Cheaper organic products will compete better with conventional foods on the market. It remains to be seen where the future of the organic industry will lead, but we have to keep hopes up that a recovery is more than possible, with more people choosing to eat green than ever before!