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United States Case Studies for Organic Agricultural Development |
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The organic sector
evolved from scattered initiatives into a strong national movement with common
goals, while maintaining strong regional organizations that provide organic
advocacy, education and promotion and build the capacity of the organic sector.
The organic sector was born in the 1940s with pioneers like Sir Albert Howard,
Paul K. Keene and J.I. Rodale and the early farmers’ organizations were
initiated in the early 1970s. The early organic sector was successful because
the organizations were farm-based, operated regionally, and had a strong
market-orientation as well as a philosophical agenda. The food coop movement
was important in the early period of the distribution and marketing of organic
products. Organic food is today an integrated and established part of the
market and no longer a niche, with a diversity of market channels. As early as
the 1970s organic grains and beans were exported to Europe and then to Japan, but exports to Japan significantly declined
because of the Japanese organic regulation. Canada is still a strong export
market. The early organizations developed standards and certification. In the
early 1980s, at the urging of the organic farmer organizations, several states
began to regulate the organic label. During the 1990s a national law was elaborated
and the National Organic Program (NOP) was implemented in 2002. The common USDA
Organic label is known by 60% of the population. The NOP is considered by the
government as a labeling and marketing regulation, not an endorsement of
organic farming. Because there has not been extensive government support either
in policies or funding, the organic sector has remained market-driven.
Certified organic farmland in 2003 accounted for 0.9 million ha, about 0.2% of
total farmland. The variety of crops that are grown organically reflects the
conventional agriculture sector, along with rapid expansion in livestock
production. (Author: Katherine DiMatteo)
Further reading on Early Organic Sector Development In the US:
Case Study Overview
Organic Agricultural Conditions
Early Organic Agricultural Development
Organic Market Development
Regulatory Framework and Policy
Supporting Structures and Lessons Learned
(Adapted From IFOAM, Building Sustainable Organic Sectors)
IFOAM is constantly updating the information on this website. Comments or suggestions contact the Platform Coordinator
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