Organic acreage is shrinking in America

Apnews - May 7th, 2025

At Twin Birch Dairy in Skaneateles, New York, co-owner Jeremy Brown is pioneering sustainable practices to reduce the environmental impact of dairy farming. Despite managing a herd of about 3,200 cattle and focusing on reducing methane emissions, Brown refuses to pursue organic certification due to its high costs and inefficiencies. Brown's practices include using electric manure scrapers, recycling manure for crops, and recirculating water to cool milk. His approach reflects a broader trend among American farmers who are prioritizing sustainability over organic certification.

The decline in organic farming in the U.S. is attributed to the cost and complexity of certification, along with a declining consumer base. Organic acreage has fallen by nearly 11% between 2019 and 2021, and many farmers like Brown are questioning the value of the certification. Despite this, there are still consumers and businesses who value organic products for their quality and environmental benefits. John Bolton of Bolton Farms is one of the few who still sees value in pursuing organic certification, highlighting its potential economic benefits and alignment with environmentally friendly practices. However, challenges like climate change and labor shortages remain significant hurdles for farmers.

Sustainability Climate Change Twin Birch Dairy Jeremy Brown Organic Certification Methane Emissions Dairy Farming

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

6.4

Moderately Fair

Read with skepticism

The article provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges and considerations surrounding organic farming in the U.S. It effectively highlights the decline in organic acreage and the factors contributing to this trend, such as regulatory burdens and market perceptions. The story is well-written and accessible, with a clear narrative structure and engaging anecdotes from farmers. However, it would benefit from more authoritative data and a broader range of perspectives to enhance its accuracy and balance. The article addresses a timely and important topic, but its impact is somewhat limited by the lack of in-depth analysis and concrete policy recommendations. Overall, the story serves as a valuable introduction to the issues facing organic farming, but it could be strengthened by incorporating more diverse sources and detailed evidence.

Accuracy

The story provides a reasonable overview of the decline in organic farming in the U.S., citing a decrease in certified organic acreage by almost 11% between 2019 and 2021. This claim aligns with broader trends in the organic farming sector. However, the article lacks direct citations or data sources to substantiate these figures, which affects its precision and verifiability. The story also touches on the impact of a 2018 fraud case and regulatory burdens, which are plausible explanations but require more concrete evidence or expert opinions to fully substantiate. The claim that organic farming is losing its market appeal is presented with anecdotal evidence, which, while relevant, could be bolstered by market analysis or consumer trend data.

Balance

The article attempts to present a balanced view by including perspectives from farmers who both support and criticize the organic certification process. It highlights the challenges faced by farmers in maintaining organic standards and the perceived benefits of organic practices. However, the article leans slightly towards the challenges and criticisms of organic farming, with less emphasis on the benefits and successes of organic practices. Including more voices from proponents of organic farming and consumers who prioritize organic products could enhance the balance.

Clarity

The article is generally well-written and easy to follow, with a clear structure that guides the reader through the main points. The language is straightforward and accessible, making the content understandable to a general audience. The use of direct quotes from farmers adds a personal touch and helps convey the human aspect of the story. However, the inclusion of repetitive elements, such as multiple instances of the same photograph captions, can distract from the main narrative.

Source quality

The story relies on interviews with local farmers and experts, which adds a layer of authenticity and relevance. However, it lacks references to authoritative studies, government reports, or industry data that could strengthen its claims. The inclusion of expert opinions or data from agricultural organizations would improve the article's credibility. The absence of diverse sources, particularly those with national or international perspectives, limits the depth of analysis.

Transparency

The article does not clearly disclose the methodology behind the data presented, such as how the decline in organic acreage was measured. While it mentions a collaboration between the Rochester Institute of Technology and The Associated Press, it does not detail the nature of this collaboration or any potential influences on the reporting. Greater transparency in the sources of information and the process behind the article's creation would enhance its credibility.