Organics... Supply and demand
According to the Organic Trade Association (OTA), organic farms are 35% more profitable than conventional farms, while domestic demand far exceeds organic supply, especially for grains. So why aren't more farmers converting? The strength of the dollar, depressed margins during the three-year transition, lack of knowledge of organic farming methods, and lack of infrastructure, OTA farm policy director Nate Lewis explained at an education session at the show.