Organic food production continues a trend of double-digit growth with notable expansion in the U.S. and globally, reported the United States Department of Agriculture.

Certified organic operations currently stand at 21,781 in the United States and 31,160 around the world, according to data released April 4 from the Agricultural Marketing Service's National Organic Program (NOP).

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said organics is one of the fastest growing sectors in U.S. agriculture.

"As consumer demand for organic products continues to grow, the USDA organic seal has become a leading global standard. The increasing number of organic operations shows that USDA’s strong support for the vibrant organic sector is helping to create jobs and opportunities in rural communities," Vilsack said in a press release.

Domestic operations increased 12% between 2014-15, rounding out a 300% increase since the count began in 2002, the USDA reported. The 2014-15 increase also represents the largest annual growth rate on record for the certified organic industry.

Retail value of organic products now stand at US$39 billion in the United States and US$75 billion worldwide.

The USDA highlighted a number of initiatives taken to support momentum for organic and local foods, including US$1 billion in investments in local and regional food businesses since 2009. Local foods is another category that has grown in popularity among consumers with sales increasing to US$12 billion in 2014 from US$5 billion in 2008.

More information about individual operators can be found in the USDA Organic Integrity Database.

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