ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) New York's organic farming has grown over the past several years, led by milk sales, with agricultural land federally certified organic expanding to 934 operating farms last year.
The state comptroller reports sales of organic farm products rose 56 percent from 2008 to 2014 to $164 million.
That includes almost $94 million of organic milk from 402 farms, ranking second nationally in the U.S. Department of Agriculture's survey.
Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli says the report shows organic farming is "a robust sector" with soaring demand. Another federal report shows New York's organic sales jumped 35 percent more last year to $221 million.
Crop sales were led by vegetables and melons, followed by apples, strawberries and blueberries.New York's organic maple syrup ranked third behind Vermont and Maine.
