The profit potential of certified organic field crop production / William D. McBride ; Catherine Greene ; Linda Foreman ; and Mir Ali.

Format:

Book

Government document

Author/Creator:

McBride, William D., author.

Greene, Catherine, author.

Foreman, Linda, author.

Ali, Mir B., author.

Contributor:

United States. Department of Agriculture. Economic Research Service, issuing body.

Series:

Economic research report (United States. Department of Agriculture. Economic Research Service) ; no. 188.

Economic research report ; number 188

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Organic farming--Economic aspects--United States.

Organic farming.

Field crops--Economic aspects--United States.

Field crops.

Corn--Organic farming--Economic aspects--United States.

Corn.

Wheat--Organic farming--Economic aspects--United States.

Wheat.

Soybean--Organic farming--Economic aspects--United States.

Soybean.

Field crops--Economic aspects.

Organic farming--Economic aspects.

United States.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (ii, [2], 46 pages) : illustrations.

Place of Publication:

[Washington, D.C.] : United States Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service, [2015]

Summary:

Organic crop acres in the United States more than doubled between 2002 and 2011 as acreage increased from 1.3 to over 3 million acres. While acreage for some major field crops increased substantially during this period, growth was more modest or had stalled for others. This study examines the profitability of corn, wheat, and soybean production using national survey data and finds that significant economic returns are possible from organic production of these crops. The main reason for higher per-bushel returns to organic production is the price premiums paid for organic crops. Despite potentially higher returns, the adoption of organic field crop production has been slow and is challenging due to such factors as achieving effective weed control and the processes involved with organic certification.

Contents:

Summary

Introduction

Background and Objective

Challenges of Organic Field Crop Production

Organic and Conventional Field Crop Prices

Organic Cropping Systems Literature

Organic and Conventional Field Crop Yields

Characteristics and Costs of Organic and Conventional Crop Farms

Corn

Wheat

Soybeans

Organic and Conventional Production Cost Differences

Organic Transition and Certification Costs

Returns to Organic Field Crop Production

Conclusions.

Notes:

Title from title screen (viewed July 30, 2015).

"July 2015."

Accompanied by summary report.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 33-36).

OCLC:

915150704