Information compiled through the 2012 Census of Agriculture reveals several ways organic farmers and farm operations differ from non-organic farms. Conducted every five years, the census shows national and state level data on farms, land in farms and tenure; production expenses, equipment and machinery; farm income and government payments; land use and practices; operator characteristics; and more.

Key findings include:

• Organic agriculture producers were much more likely to report direct-to-consumer sales than conventional producers. Nearly half (42 percent) of organic farms reported direct sales to consumers, but only 7 percent of all U.S. farms sold agricultural products directly to consumers.
• Organic farms were more likely than other farms to participate in non-traditional markets: 30 percent marketed products directly to retail outlets, 16 percent produced value-added products, and 13 percent distributed products through CSAs (community supported agriculture).
• Organic farms were more likely than other farms to invest in on-farm renewable energy producing systems, such as solar panels and wind turbines.
• Organic operations were also more likely to sell crops, such as fruits and vegetables, than livestock and poultry products. Almost 90 percent sold crops, while a slightly fewer than 50 percent sold livestock or poultry products.
• Organic producers were more likely to be beginning farmers, with 27 percent starting farming in the last 10 years, compared to 18 percent of all principal farm operators.
• Organic operators were younger, with 26 percent under 45 years old, compared to 16 percent of all principal operators. To further determine trends, the National Agricultural Statistics Service will conduct at 2014 Organic Survey beginning in early 2015.

Data tables: http://www.agcensus.usda.gov/Publications/2012/Online_Resources/Special_...