The Organic Trade Association (OTA) has reported 7.7 per cent growth in the sector in 2010, including an 11.8 per cent rise in US fruit and vegetable sales to $10.6bn (€7.3bn).
Its 2011 Organic Industry Survey shows the organic fruit and vegetable sector represents nearly 40 per cent of total organic food value and almost 12 per cent of all US fruit and vegetable sales.
Christine Bushway, OTA's CEO and executive director, commented: 'Even as the economic recovery crawls forward, the organic industry is thriving – and hiring.'
The survey also found that close to 40 per cent of organics companies experienced full-time employment growth.
In 2011, 46 per cent of respondents expect to increase employment beyond 2010 levels.
