By DOUG GRAVES

Ohio Correspondent

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio’s big corn and soybean farmers haven’t seen much in the way of sales growth the past few years, but that can’t be said for some of the state’s smaller players – that is, those who raise organic produce, grains and dairy products.

Ohio ranks seventh in the nation when it comes to the number of organic farms, according to a recent USDA 2016 Certified Organic Survey. The survey shows the state has 575 certified organic farms on approximately 54,000 acres.

The state’s organic sales have increased by more than 30 percent since 2015 and the number of organic farms in Ohio is up by 24 percent. Overall, the United States experienced a 23 percent rise in sales by organic farms in 2016, totaling more than $7.5 billion.

The states with the most organic farms are California (2,713 farms), Wisconsin (1,276), New York (1.059), Pennsylvania (803), Iowa (732) and Washington (677). Others in this region include Indiana (420), Michigan (402), Illinois (205), Kentucky (100) and Tennessee (38).

“The 2016 survey illustrates the strength of organic production and sales in the state,” said Amalie Lipstreu, policy coordinator for the Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Assoc. “Organic production continues to be a bright spot in U.S. agriculture.

“Organic production has not been able to keep up with demand, so this is a good time to review our agricultural funding, as well as state and federal agency services to make sure investments are made in this growth industry, so more Ohio farmers are equipped with the information, resources and support they need to take advantage of this economic opportunity.”

Bryon Kauffman of West Liberty was one of the state’s pioneers in organic farming. He started growing organic crops 25 years ago on his Mac-O-Chee Valley Farm in Logan County.

“There were not too many markets for products back then. You really had to search for a place to sell your goods,” he recalled. “That is not so much the way it is now.”

Sales of organic products, especially of food, have grown by double-digits every year for the past two decades, according to the Organic Trade Assoc. Organic food sales are growing at about triple the rate of ordinary food sales.

Kauffman has grown a lot of crops over the years, including spelt and popcorn. Popcorn has become his niche, and his spelt is becoming a hit in Ohio. The state has more spelt growers than any other.

“It’s a good crop,” he said. “It’s vigorous and competes well with weeds.”

Ohio’s other big organic crops are milk (ranks ninth in the U.S. for production), eggs and vegetables.

Kauffman has enjoyed the boom in organic in organic production, and thinks others have increasingly embraced organic foods. “At first, I just wanted to see if I could do it, and it just became more and more as the market grew. In one sense, I am not surprised because the demand for healthier food is real now. It’s a good thing for everyone.”