Organic Farming Increases Soil Diversity
Research published in BMC Microbiology compared organic orange groves with conventional groves in China and found that soil bacterial diversity was higher under organic farming. Furthermore, organic farming improved the bacterial community structure and promoted microbial functional diversity, contributing to the overall health and production of the citrus crop.

Organic Fertilizers Boost Beneficial Fungi
Using a meta-analysis, researchers published in Functional Ecology found that organic fertilizers increased beneficial Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi biomass and richness. Increased AM richness correlates with improved yield. The benefits of using organic fertilizers instead of chemical fertilizers depended on agricultural management practices and climate conditions, with greater benefits in monoculture systems and in hot, rainy conditions.

Our take: We’re excited to see these two studies exploring the beautifully complex issue of soil biology. Using organic methods and fertilizers is earthworm (and beneficial fungi and beneficial bacteria) approved!

Farmers Discuss U.S. Organic Rice Production
Despite the capacity to produce high-quality rice in the United States, the majority of organic rice is imported. To understand the opportunities and barriers for additional domestic organic rice production, The Organic Center’s latest survey “Challenges and Opportunities for U.S. Organic Rice” examines policies, agronomy and economics from the farmers’ point of view. Suggestions for closing the gap between domestic supply and demand include tapping into existing infrastructure and knowledge; reducing risks for organic farmers; expanding market access in rice-heavy states; emphasizing what farmers value, such as profitability and land stewardship; and boosting outreach and technical support. Key findings are also available via webinar.

Our take: Developing these grain markets is a priority. Organic rice production is an example of an opportunity that can benefit farmers and consumers who want more organic products to be grown more locally. That’s a win all the way around.

Steady Growth Projected for Organic Meat Market
In an analysis by Reports and Data, the organic poultry/meat market world-wide is expected to grow from US$17 billion in 2024 to US$ 32 billion in 2034, a compound annual growth rate of 6.6%. Organic poultry is the largest segment, with organic beef projected to grow the fastest over the next ten years. North America is the largest market, and the market in the Asia Pacific is expected to grow the fastest.

Our take: A steady increase in demand would provide opportunity for farmers to incorporate animal production or to increase supplies at a reasonable pace.

Organic Milk Market Share Moooves Up
Organic fluid milk sales are increasing and taking a larger share of the fluid milk market, even as sales of conventional milk declined 21.3% from 2010-2024, reports Food Navigator. In that time, organic fluid milk market share doubled to reach 7.1% About 65% of organic milk is used for fluid milk, but dairy analysts see some opportunities in the market for grab-and-go yogurt for adults and for organic butter.

Our take: Organic dairy has its challenges, and we’re glad to see that organic market share is growing because more people are choosing organic milk, rather than purely as function of slower sales of non-organic milk.