As the demand for organic produce aggressively jumps boundaries, and with no signs of slowing down, the Organic Trade Association is working hard to keep spreading the message and reporting about organic conditions across the nation.

On April 15, the OTA issued a press release stating that U.S. consumers devoured a record amount of organics in 2014. Households of all sizes and income levels, and individuals of all ages, ethnic backgrounds and political leanings are buying organic today.

Sales of organic food and non-food products in the United States broke through another record in 2014, totaling $39.1 billion, up 11.3 percent from the previous year, according to the OTA’s latest survey.Organic apples ready for harvest. (Photos courtesy of the Organic Trade Association)

Despite the industry struggling with tight supplies of organic ingredients, organic food sales in 2014 are reported at $35.9 billion. The survey stated that the majority of American households in all regions of the country now make organic a part of their supermarket and retail purchases; from 68 to almost 80 percent of households in southern states, to nearly 90 percent on the West Coast and in New England.

“On the heels of organic sales now nearing a milestone five percent share of the total food market, organic stakeholders have gathered in Washington to educate lawmakers and policymakers,” said Laura Batcha, chief executive officer and executive director of OTA. “Our consumer survey has already found that organic doesn’t have any demographic boundaries. This additional new data proves [that organic produce] doesn’t have regional or partisan boundaries.”

On May 12, in a groundbreaking move for the nation’s organic sector, the OTA, in collaboration with the core committee of the Generic Research and Promotion Order for Organic, or “GRO Organic,” formally petitioned the U.S. Department of Agriculture to begin steps to conduct a vote on and implement a research and promotion check-off program for the organic industry.

“The organic industry in America is thriving and maturing, but it is at a critical juncture,” Batcha said in a press release. “Many consumers remain unaware of what that organic seal really means. Organic production in this country is not keeping pace with the robust demand. An organic check-off program would give organic stakeholders the opportunity to collectively invest in research, build domestic supply and communicate the value of the organic brand to advance the entire industry to a new level.”

More than 5,000 organic farms and businesses responded to OTA’s extensive surveys, weighing in support of establishing a dedicated organic check-off by a margin of 2 to 1, with little or no difference in the amount of support between the size and types of operations.

“As an industry we haven’t done a great job explaining to shoppers what it means to be organic and the benefits of organic,” said Nicole Dawes, founder and chief executive officer of Late July Organic Snacks. “As a result, consumers are still confused by the difference between certified organic, all natural and non-GMO products.”

Once the USDA completes its review of the application, an official proposal for an organic research and promotion check-off program will be published in the Federal Register, followed by a public comment period.

The final step will be a referendum on the proposed check-off, with all certified organic stakeholders eligible to vote. Approval by a majority of the organic stakeholders voting is required for implementation.

Also in May, the OTA participated for the first time in South Korea’s biggest food trade show of the year, Seoul Hotel and Food. The OTA showcased five American organic companies at its all-organic pavilion.

South Korea is an important market for the United States, and demand for organic from the country’s 50-million plus population is flourishing.

“Demand for American organic products in Korea is booming, and OTA is working hard to help the U.S. organic sector meet that growing appetite,” said Batcha. “OTA is thrilled to be helping organic companies explore new business opportunities at this very important trade show.”

The organic food market in Korea grew by an average rate of 50 percent from 2006 to 2011, and is expected to expand to $6 billion by 2020.

OTA is an official cooperator in the USDA’s Market Access Program to promote U.S. organic products abroad.