US: Organic farms growing in New York

Sales of organic farm products rose 56 percent statewide from 2008 to 2014 with $164 million in sales that year, as New York ranked third nationwide in the number of certified organic farms, according to a report released by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. In 2015, New York’s organic sales rose another 35 percent.

"Organic farming is not a fad, but a robust sector of our economy," DiNapoli said "As demand soars for organic and locally-grown products, New York's farmers are competing at a national level and preserving our agricultural landscape."

Crops constituted 60 percent of all organic sales across the country. In New York, sales of organic crops were $52.7 million, with vegetables and melons the largest sellers, followed by apples, strawberries and blueberries.

As of 2015, 934 certified organic farms were operating across the state. New York rated fourth in land acreage, with 213,000 acres of land dedicated to organic farming, exceeded only by California, Wisconsin and Montana, which boast larger-sized farms.

Read the Organic Farms report here: http://www.osc.state.ny.us/reports/other/organic_farm2016.pdf