Organic Month Highlights Sustainable Farming Practices

September marks the celebration of Organic Month, an important initiative led by the Organic Trade Association (OTA) to raise awareness about organic agriculture and highlight the benefits of choosing organic products. This month-long event is dedicated to promoting the values of health, environmental sustainability, and ethical farming practices that define organic agriculture.

Matthew Dillon, Co-CEO of the OTA, emphasized the significance of Organic Month, stating, “It’s a fantastic opportunity to promote the benefits and importance of organic farming and products, and to celebrate our commitment and dedication to organic.” The association has planned a variety of activities and outreach efforts for both its members and consumers interested in supporting the movement. Dillon further highlighted that the campaign is designed to encourage consumers to make healthier choices while supporting eco-friendly practices and animal welfare.

Tom Chapman, Co-CEO of the OTA, echoed this sentiment, saying, “Our campaign encourages consumers to support organic products by highlighting their benefits for personal health, eco-friendly agriculture, and animal welfare. We want to inspire more people to choose organic and join our efforts to expand organic agriculture and production, making healthy, clean organic food accessible to all.”

The OTA is actively rolling out a social media campaign to showcase the innovative programs and practices of its members aimed at increasing organic production and availability. Throughout the month, the organization will also publish newsletters detailing organic initiatives and developments. In addition, it is offering the public access to a vast library of educational guides, organic resources, and promotional toolkits to encourage further engagement.

The U.S. organic market is thriving, with the OTA’s 2024 Organic Industry Survey revealing a nearly $70 billion market and record-breaking sales last year. Over the past decade, organic sales have doubled, with organic food now accounting for 6% of total retail food sales in the nation. The organic seal continues to resonate with consumers, reflecting their growing concerns for health, sustainability, and a preference for products free from antibiotics, hormones, preservatives, and dyes.

The OTA is a key membership-based business association for organic agriculture and products in North America, representing over 500 organic businesses across 50 states, as well as 9,500 farmers through its Farmers Advisory Council. The organization’s members include growers, shippers, processors, certifiers, farmers’ associations, distributors, retailers, and many more. Organic Month serves as a reminder of the importance of organic farming in creating a healthier, more sustainable future for all.