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St. Paul, Minn. (AP)

Certified organic farms on the rise in Minnesota

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The number of certified organic farms is on the rise in Minnesota, and they're getting bigger.

A new Minnesota Department of Agriculture report says the number of certified organic farms in Minnesota increased 42 percent between 2000 and 2008. Organic acreage in the state increased 88 percent during the same period.

The report also says consumers' appetite for organic products has continued to grow, even during the economic downturn. It says the state's organic farmers are optimistic about the future of organic agriculture and of their own farming operations.

To be "certified organic," an independent organization must review records and inspect the farm at least once a year to make sure farmers are complying with the national organic standards.

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Online: The report is on the MDA's Organic Agriculture page at: http://www.mda.state.mn.us/organic

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)