Report Identifies Needs of California’s Organic Sector

A report from the University of California Organic Agriculture Institute details the most pressing needs of the state’s organic sector, as identified in an online grower survey, interviews with stakeholders, and observations from farm visits and workshops. One finding is that with an increased supply of organic commodities, the organic profit premium is not as great. The report identifies other issues, as well, including the need to maintain the integrity of the term “organic,” developing a market for organic seeds, spreading consumer awareness, and alleviating the burdens of organic certification and reporting. While small growers struggled with financial and regulatory burdens, larger growers reported challenges in managing weeds and pests at scale.
Related ATTRA publication: Planning for Profit in Sustainable Farming