State officials encourage Pennsylvanians to buy local produce this fall | Five for the Weekend
Fruit and vegetable production in Pennsylvania contributes more than $6.1 billion to the state economy annually
By Cassie Miller – Capital-Star
HARRISBURG, PA – August is Pennsylvania Produce Month and, to celebrate, state agriculture officials are encouraging residents to buy local.
Speaking from Harvest Valley Farms, a fourth-generation vegetable farm and on-farm market in Gibsonia, Allegheny County on Thursday, Department of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding encouraged Pennsylvanians to buy local and support local farmers this fall.
“This harvest season, join me in supporting Pennsylvania farmers by shopping locally and buying PA Preferred,” Redding said. “It is a great way to say, ‘thank you’ to all those who help bring food to our tables.”
According to the 2021 Pennsylvania Economic Impact of Agriculture Update, fruit and vegetable production in Pennsylvania supports more than 7,200 family farms, 31,000 jobs, and contributes more than $6.1 billion to the state economy annually.
“We see the fruits of their labor every day on our plates,” Redding said, praising Pennsylvania farmers. “I’m guessing most of us don’t stop to think about what it takes to actually put that on our plate.”
