ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The University of Minnesota has earned a top grade for its organic agriculture programs.

Minnesota is one of only six land-grant universities across the country with a perfect score in the new rankings from the Organic Farming Research Foundation.

The foundation rates schools based on their organic research, extension, and education programs. Besides Minnesota, the other to campuses are: Colorado State, Florida, Tennessee, Michigan State and Washington State.

The report notes that Minnesota offers a horticulture major with a program of study on organic horticulture and local food.

The foundation says the organic industry has grown from over $7 billion in sales in 2001 to nearly $29 billion in 2010, so the land grant system needs to keep up the pace with increased investment in organic research, outreach, and training.

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