eNEWS
March 2010 > Results released for USDA’s first-ever, wide-scale survey of organic producers
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) released the results of the 2008 Organic Production Survey Feb. 3. The survey, which is a follow-up to the Census of Agriculture, is USDA’s first-ever, wide-scale survey of organic producers in the United States.
Among the many interesting figures, the report has interesting stats on profitability of organic farms. In 2008, organic farms had average annual sales of $217,675 , compared to the $134,807 average for all U.S. farms (2007 Census of Agriculture). Figuring in production expenses (an average of $171,978 per farm for organics and a $109,359 average for all farms), the average organic farm is more profitable.
Highlights of the survey results include organic farm numbers and acreage, sales, production and marketing practices. To learn more about the survey results visit www.agcensus.usda.gov.