Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding joined the PA Vegetable Growers Association today at Harvest Valley Farms, a fourth-generation vegetable farm and PA Preferred® on-farm market, to highlight investments strengthening fruit and vegetable production and to encourage Pennsylvanians to shop locally this harvest season.
"As we celebrate Pennsylvania Produce Month this August, we are reminded of fruit and vegetable growers – like Harvest Valley Farms – who go the extra mile for the communities they serve," said Redding. "It is demonstrated through charitable food donation, conservation work, and the connections made by bringing food from field to table. This harvest season, join me in supporting Pennsylvania farmers by shopping locally and buying PA Preferred. It is a great way to say, 'thank you' to all those who help bring food to our tables."
According to the 2021 Pennsylvania agriculture economic impact updateOpens In A New Window, Pennsylvania fruit and vegetable production supports more than 7,200 family farms, 31,000 jobs, and contributes more than $6.1 billion to the state economy annually.
To grow on-farm opportunities and ensure fresh foods remain available, accessible, and affordable, Governor Wolf developed the Pennsylvania Farm Bill. Since 2019, this historic package of legislation has invested more than $76 million in Pennsylvania agriculture, including dollars to support PA Preferred and grow the commonwealth's specialty crop industry.
Many on-farm markets like Harvest Valley FarmsOpens In A New Window and farmers market vendors are members of the PA Preferred program or carry PA Preferred products. PA Preferred is the statewide branding program for agricultural products grown, produced, and processed in Pennsylvania. When purchasing items with the PA Preferred checkmark, consumers are supporting locally grown and processed Pennsylvania agricultural products and directly supporting Pennsylvania farmers.
For more information:
Shannon Powers
Tel.: +1 717.603.2056
shpowers@pa.gov