OHA: Organic industry experienced strong growth in 2010

BRATTLEBORO, Vt. — The organic industry grew at a rate of nearly 8% to more than $28.6 billion, according to a recent survey conducted by the Organic Trade Association.

"While total U.S. food sales grew by less than 1% in 2010, the organic food industry grew by 7.7%," said Christine Bushway, OTA's CEO and executive director. "Consumers continue to vote with their dollars in favor of the organic choice. These results illustrate the positive contribution organic agriculture and trade make to our economy, and particularly to rural livelihoods."

Bushway added that big winners were organic fruits and vegetables, which increase nearly 12% to $10.6 billion in 2010, followed by organic dairy, which experienced a value of $3.9 billion, and captured almost 6% of the total U.S. market for dairy products. For the organic non-food sector, organic supplements led with a value of $681 million, representing 7.4% growth over 2009 figures.

The OTA, the membership-based business association for organic agriculture and products in North America, said that its 63-page 2011 organic industry survey report now is available for purchase. For more information, click here.