Pennsylvania Becomes Second-Largest Organic Market in U.S.

By Blake Jackson

Pennsylvania has moved from third to second place nationally in organic agricultural product sales, reflecting continued growth in the state's organic farming industry.

According to the 2025 National Organic Survey, released October 30, 2026, by the USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service, Pennsylvania's organic sales increased by $20 million, rising from $1.094 billion to $1.114 billion over the past year.

The state has also recorded substantial growth in organic-certified farms. Their number increased from 880 in January 2023 to 1,150, representing a nearly 30.7% increase.

Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding attributed the progress to investments supporting farmers interested in organic production and expanding market opportunities.

“This growth is proof positive that Shapiro Administration strategic investments are working to bring added value to what Pennsylvania farmers produce. Consumer demand for organic products continues to increase steadily," Secretary Redding said.

"Meeting that demand means a farmer has to make significant investments to meet rigorous standards to achieve USDA certification, and then to market their products. The Shapiro Administration has made historic investments to support farmers who want to pursue certification, and to help them plan, innovate, break into new markets, and sell higher value products," Redding added.

Pennsylvania maintains the nation's leading position in several organic agricultural categories. The state generates approximately $979 million in annual organic livestock sales, including $587 million from poultry, $146 million from eggs, and $109 million from turkeys. Organic mushroom sales contribute another $71 million annually.

Additionally, Pennsylvania generates more than $99 million in organic dairy sales and approximately $135 million from organic crops.

The state has a strong presence in organic floriculture, field crops, vegetables, and fruits. It also ranks third in direct farm-to-consumer sales, with $162.6 million in overall sales, including organic products.

To strengthen the industry, Gov. Josh Shapiro invested $1 million to establish the Organic Center for Excellence and supported legislation creating the PA Preferred Organic brand.

The administration also provided $350,000 in 2024 to establish Pennsylvania's first registered Organic Agriculture Apprenticeship at Rodale Institute.

Earlier this year, the state launched the PA Preferred Marketing Grant Program with an initial investment of $500,000.

Currently, more than 1,240 PA Preferred members, 13 PA Preferred Organic members and 69 Homegrown by Heroes veteran farmers participate in the branding program, helping connect locally produced agricultural goods with consumers.

Photo Credit: istock-fotosipsak