“Organic” Demand Growing, Still Small “Niche” in Universe

KANSAS CITY, MO – Soaring demand for organic livestock and processed food products has stimulated the production of organic corn and soybeans in the United States.

According to the Economic Research Service, organic farming of these two commodities constitutes a small, but growing portion of total corn and soybean harvested acreage.

Between 2008 and 2019, harvested acreage of organic corn for grain increased 124 percent while acreage for organic soybeans rose 73 percent and despite the upward trend, the organic share of total domestic corn and soybean acreage accounted for less than 1 percent of total harvested acres for each crop.

Organic farming typically costs more than conventional agriculture because of the production practices required for USDA to certify products as organic.

Costs for organic corn are estimated to be $90 higher per acre, on average, than their conventional counterparts, and costs for organic soybeans are approximately $116 higher per acre.
(SOURCE: All Ag News)