By Bonnie Coblentz
Organic production represents a small but rapidly growing segment of Mississippi agriculture, and a growing number of farmers are doing what it takes to meet this consumer demand for quality products.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported that as of 2021, which is the most current year for this data, the total number of certified organic acreage in the U.S. is 1% of farmland. Despite this low number, organic sales accounted for 3% of U.S. farm receipts, as consumers are more willing to pay premium price for organic products.
Consumer demand for these products has led to their increased availability in grocery stores and other retail outlets. This retail demand has encouraged many existing farmers to convert a portion or all of their acreage into organic production, and a new wave of people are trying their hand at organic production.
The Mississippi State University Extension Service is one resource that individuals use when learning how to grow and market organic crops. In April, Extension hosted an organic vegetable production workshop with more than 25 people in attendance.
Jermaine Perier, workshop organizer and Extension entomologist, said only 6% of those who came had prior knowledge or organic production. Owners of one farm already were certified organic, with 80% of the remaining participants farming conventionally but considering organic, either in part or completely.
Source : msstate.edu