In April we’re showcasing how a rising consumer demand to know where, how and by whom our food is grown has led to the growth of a host of new market opportunities for farmers, ranchers and other food businesses. In fact, last week we announced that the number of domestic certified organic operations increased by almost 12 percent between 2014 and 2015, representing the highest growth rate since 2008 and an increase of nearly 300 percent since the count began in 2002. That continues a trend of double-digit growth in the organic sector.

USDA also made a series of announcements that continue to solidify the foundation for local and regional foods and organics, and connect producers with more opportunities to tap into these fast-growing markets. The availability of more than $90 million in new competitive grants will help strengthen local and regional food systems, develop new market opportunities for producers and support farmers growing fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, flowers and nursery crops (known collectively as specialty crops). In addition, the official launch of GroupGAP, marked a new push to help small and mid-sized growers and cooperatives meet retailers’ on-farm food safety requirements.

USDA also made up to $44 million available to farmers, ranchers and businesses to develop new bio-based products and expand markets through the Value-Added Producer Grant program. The grants may be used to develop new products and create additional uses for existing ones. Since 2009, USDA has awarded a total of 1,126 Value-Added Producer Grants for $144.7 million.

Join us throughout the month of April as we take a look at how significant and transformative USDA investments have evolved to support a growing movement to better get to know our nation’s farmers, connecting producers with consumers and expanding rural economic opportunities to help more farmers stay on the farm. Follow along on usda.gov, on the USDA blog and by using #USDAResults, or catch up on Chapter IV: New Markets, New Opportunities: Strengthening Local Food Systems and Organic Agriculture.

In April we’ll take a look at how USDA’s programs evolved to support a growing movement to better get to know our farmers, connecting producers with consumers and expanding rural economic opportunities to help more farmers stay on the farm: www.usda.gov/medium.