Organic Foods Industry to Grow by 14 Percent Through 2018

If you’ve been trying to incorporate more organic foods into your diet lately, it looks like you’re not alone. According to the United States Organic Food Market Forecast & Opportunities 2018 report (via Food Navigator-USA), the demand for organic foods is increasing, and the compound annual growth rate is projected at 14 percent from the 2013 – 2018 period.

According to 2012 estimates by the Organic Trade Association via Food Navigator-USA, 81 percent of United States families purchase organic foods “at least sometimes.” This equated to more than $81.3 billion in natural and organic retail sales in the 2012 fiscal period. Now that’s a lot of organic food!

The report also shows where in the country organic thrives most. The Washington Times summarizes: “The western states in United States hold the major market share in the total organic food market revenues. However, increasing per capita income coupled with the growing domestic production and commercial sector are anticipated to surge the demand of organic food in other regions of the country.”

No matter where you are in the country, organic options, if they’re affordable, are often a good choice when compared to their conventional counterparts. They usually mean fewer pesticides, no GMOs, and a lot more oversight by regulating agencies like the FDA and USDA.

If you’re new to the organic market, here’s a primer of what the labels mean. If you’re already buying organic, do tread carefully still. Read your ingredients list and scrutinize what still may be in your food, but do know, beyond growing every single thing yourself, you’re probably doing the very best you can for your body by choosing the organic option. And, now, you’re part of a growing trend of people who also know this to be true.

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