Organic crop acres in the United States more than doubled between 2002 and 2011 as acreage increased from 1.3 to over 3 million acres. While acreage for some major fi eld crops increased substantially during this period, growth was more modest or had stalled for others. This study examines the profi tability of corn, wheat, and soybean production using national survey data and fi nds that signifi cant economic returns are possible from organic production of these crops. The main reason for higher per-bushel returns to organic production is the price premiums paid for organic crops. Despite potentially higher returns, the adoption of organic fi eld crop production has been slow and is challenging due to such factors as achieving effective weed control and the processes involved with organic certifi cation.
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