U.S. organic food sales have grown between 17 and 21% each year since 1997 (total U.S. food sales over this time have grown in the range of 2- 4% a year) Organic food sales represent approximately 2% of U.S. food sales Organic farms are about 0.5% of U.S. farms –(Organic Trade Association’s 2004 Manufacturer Survey)

Certified organic acreage and operations,

< 20

< 11-30

Certified organic farms, 2006

6 Certified Organic Farms, KY 2006

Why fewer organic farms in KY in 2003 than 2001? Before national standards came into effect (October 21, 2002) –Kentucky Department of Agriculture certified farms –Inexpensive certification –Relaxed standards –Encouraged certification at all income levels After national standards came into effect –Certification optional for farmers who sell < $5,000 of organic product annually and direct market –Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA) lost its certifier status; farms had to certify out-of-state –Certification became more expensive, with more onerous paperwork requirements

KDA regained certifier status in January 2006 Very low fees –$125/yr (early applicants were eligible for grants to further reduce fees) –Free farm inspections Rapid increase in certified organic farms –Now ~35, up from 16 in 2005 Application backlog

University of Kentucky Sustainable Agriculture Curriculum

Interested in organic methods: 32/33

Certified Organic: 0/33

Grow organically: 7/33

Plan to certify: 10/33

Organic land