May 10, 2007

Organic poultry production triples, but US consumers want more

Although certified organic poultry has more than tripled in the US in the past five years, producers are still unable to meet demand, thus driving prices for organic poultry and egg prices higher.

Organic egg and poultry demand tops the growth in demand for organic products in the US.

Organic poultry sales are expected to triple by 2010 while organic egg sales are expected to rise 40 percent by then.

A more health-conscious population concerned about animal welfare issues are driving organic sales. However the myriad labeling issues (free range, natural, cage-free) are hampering consumer choices, market watchers said.

Price premiums commanded by organic poultry is triple that of normal broilers whereas prices for organic eggs is nearly four times that of normal eggs.

Costs of organic production can be double that of normal production due to the high cost of organic feed.