Report: Growth of New York agricultural sales outpaces national average

New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has announced that growth of agricultural product sales in the state outpaced the national average, with cash receipts up 36 percent across the state. That’s compared to 32 percent growth nationally.

In 2014, farmers in New York state set a new record for sales with $6.36 billion in cash receipts, up from $4.7 billion in 2010. The figures represent gross income from sales of crops, livestock, and other products.

The Empire State has seen a surge in average gross income and a significant increase in sales of many of the state’s top farm commodities, Cuomo’s office said in a news release. Since 2010, the following products have shown the greatest increases in sales:

• Poultry and eggs up 63 percent to $206 million;

• Peaches up 80 percent to $12.6 million;

• Honey production rising 59 percent to nearly $9 million;

• Cattle production up 132 percent to $415 million; and

• Hay increasing 173 percent to $147 million.

The national estimates for the same commodities for that time period are:

• Poultry and eggs up 39 percent;

• Peaches up 2 percent;

• Honey production rising 38 percent;

• Cattle production up 59 percent; and

• Hay increasing 63 percent.

The New York dairy industry also saw record high dairy prices in 2014, making up about half of the state’s agricultural receipts.

“New York State is home to thriving agricultural businesses known for their high-quality products and award-winning tastes,” Cuomo said in the release.

He contends that his administration’s initiatives such as supporting agricultural research, promoting locally grown and produced foods, helping to market the state’s craft-beverage industry, and connecting farmers and agri-businesses to new markets through farmers’ markets, Taste NY stores, and increased procurement opportunities have helped foster the agricultural growth.

According to a study conducted by Cornell University Professor Todd Schmit, New York’s agricultural sector has a strong multiplier effect on the state’s economy. For every dollar spent in agricultural output, an additional 43 cents is generated for non-agricultural industries. In addition, every new job created within agriculture leads to the creation of 0.8 non-agricultural jobs, according to Schmit.

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