Experts Call for Expansion of Organic Farming to Meet Rising Demand

By Lourdes Mederos

Consumer demand for organic fresh fruits and vegetables outweighs the availability of organic farms growing the food. In fact, while certified organic U.S. land for growing crops or livestock is increasing according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, organic acreage is still less than 1 percent of American farmland.

University of Florida experts and stakeholders are inviting growers and investors to take a fresh look at organic farming.

“There is limited commercial organic farming in South Florida, and yet there is opportunity and interest,” said Xiaoying Li, assistant professor of horticulture vegetable crops at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). “With most farms in the region being small-scale, many growers are already adopting organic practices, and new farmers are increasingly transitioning to organic production to meet local consumer demand.”

On the heels of a recently sold-out workshop, faculty and organizers at the UF/IFAS Tropical Research and Education Center, UF/IFAS Extension Miami-Dade County and the Florida Organic Growers highlighted the opportunities and challenges in this fast-growing sector, pointing to organics as a promising path for Florida agriculture and a chance to meet rising consumer demand.

The program featured experts and educators addressing both opportunities and practical tools for organic production.

Juan Carlos Rodriguez of the Florida Organic Growers opened the discussion, underscoring the resources available to farmers pursuing certification. From UF/IFAS, Extension agents Qingren Wang and Jeff Wasielewski outlined services that support vegetable and tropical fruit producers.

Research specialists also shared science-based strategies tailored to South Florida conditions. Jonathan Crane, UF/IFAS TREC associate director and tropical fruit specialist, discussed management strategies for organic fruit production. Li highlighted the role of cover crops in improving soil health and weed management in organic farming. Dakshina ‘Dak’ Seal, an entomologist, presented non-insecticidal approaches to managing vegetable pests, offering preventive methods that align with organic practices. Rodriguez also returned to explain organic certification requirements and connect growers to further resources.