Bell & Evans program will incentivize switch to organic grains

Poultry producer Bell & Evans is launching an initiative to transition thousands of acres of corn and soybeans to certified organic production.

This comes through a partnership with Cargill that aims to transition 50,000 acres over the next five years. Cargill is paying for organic crop consulting services for farmers provided by Rodale Institute, a nonprofit that focuses on organic farming.

According to the announcement, contracted growers will receive on-farm consultation, organic system planning, certification assistance, weed management guidance, crop rotation planning, recordkeeping guidance and inspection preparation. Cargill will offer market access for transition crops, and farmers are guaranteed a dedicated market for their certified organic grains through Bell & Evans.

While 1% of total U.S. acreage is certified organic, the organic food market is a growing $50 billion industry, according to Bell & Evans. National organic food sales rose 4.6% in 2019, according to the Organic Trade Association. In 2020, Bell & Evans saw 25% growth in organic chicken sales. The company projects growth of 27% in 2021 and as much as 20% each year after that through 2024.

Bell & Evans offers more information on the program on its website.