Organic Trade Association reports the organic industry grew at a rate of nearly 8% in 2010. The association’s 2011 Organic Industry Survey found the organic industry rose to over $28.6 billion in 2010.
“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.”
In 2010, 40% of surveyed organic companies reported positive full-time employment growth. Companies with fewer than 5 employees were least likely to add full-time employees (23%). About half of the companies with more than 50 employees experienced positive full-time employment growth. This year, 46% of respondents anticipate an increase in employment over 2010 levels. In addition, 50% expect employment to remain even, and only five percent foresee a decrease.
Experiencing the most growth, organic fruits and vegetables, which represent 39.7% of total organic food value. Organic fruits and vegetables, which represent nearly 12% of all U.S. fruit and vegetable sales, reached nearly $10.6 billion in 2010, up 11.8% from 2009.
In the organic non-food sector, organic supplements led with a value of $681 million, representing 7.4% growth over 2009 figures. Organic fiber (linen and clothing) totaled a value of $605 million, achieving 16% year-over-year growth. Personal care products, at $490 million, increased 6.6% from 2009.