Organic Standards
In October 2002, the U.S. Department of Agriculture implemented
national organic standards for agricultural products which will provide consistent
labeling on products coast to coast. Information about the program can be
found at http://www.ams.usda.gov/nop
According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service of USDA,
growers sold 34.9 million pounds of mushrooms that were certified organic during the 2003-2004 growing season.
Out of the 34.9 million pounds, 7.86 million pounds, or 23 percent were sold as certified organic mushrooms,
while the rest were sold without the certified organic label. This compares to 3.70 million pounds,
or 31 percent sold as certified organic during the 2002-2003 crop year.
Agaricus mushrooms accounted for 76 percent of the mushrooms sold as certified organic,
while all specialty mushrooms made up the remainder. These certified organic sales represent less than 1 percent
of the 2003-2004 total mushroom sales. The number of certified organic mushroom growers totaled 31, up 1 from the previous season.
These growers represent 11 percent of the 278 total mushroom producers. |
