June 4, 2009

Organic farms are subject of new USDA survey

RICHMOND—Organic farmers in Virginia and nationwide are being surveyed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Services this summer.

The survey, which will examine all aspects of organic agriculture during the 2008 calendar year, is the first of its kind conducted by NASS. The agency expects to publish the findings this winter.

“The Organic Production Survey comes in direct response to the growing interest in organics among consumers, farmers, businesses and others,” said Herman Ellison, director of the NASS Virginia field office. He added that survey results will help shape future decisions regarding farm policy and funding allocations.

According to the 2007 Census of Agriculture, more than 20,000 U.S. farms are engaged in organic production; about 300 of them are in Virginia, according to the state Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Todd Haymore, Virginia’s commissioner of agriculture and consumer services, said a big part of the strength of Virginia agriculture is its diversity, including organic production.

“Sales from those farms were more than $14 million” in 2007, Haymore said. “If our farmers are going to keep agriculture as the state’s No. 1 industry, they need to adapt constantly to market demands. Organic food, milk, plants, seeds and tobacco are currently in demand by many segments of the buying public, and our organic farmers help keep the industry strong.”

Contact Elaine Lidholm, VDACS, at 804-786-7686.