Ag Secretary Redding: Shop Local, Support Pa. Agriculture This Thanksgiving

By Cassie Miller, Pennsylvania Capital-Star

November 24, 2022

State Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding is encouraging Pennsylvanians to buy local as they plan and prepare for their Thanksgiving meals this year.

“Shopping locally and looking for the PA Preferred checkmark directly supports Pennsylvania family farms and supports jobs and the economy right where you live,” Redding said.

Redding also recognized the farmers and agriculture workers who put food on the tables of Pennsylvanians, and who make the commonwealth’s $132 billion agriculture industry tick.

“As we spend time with our loved ones, giving thanks for the season and harvest, we share our gratitude to the farmers and agricultural workers who fill our dinner tables this holiday season and every day,” Redding said.

The Department of Agriculture said that shoppers can support Pennsylvania farmers by:

• Looking for the PA Preferred logo in the grocery store,
• Seeking out and supporting Pennsylvania’s farmer veterans,
• Shopping at local farmers markets or on-farm stands,
• Visiting artisans of the PA Culinary Trails, and
• Using the PA Produce Guide to purchase in-season produce.

Pennsylvanians can support the commonwealth’s agriculture industry in others, too.

The department said that “consumers can shop directly from more than 6,400 farms and enjoy agritourism activities at more than 700 farms operating pick-your-own pumpkins and Christmas trees this holiday season.”

Pennsylvania ranks second in the nation for the number of farms that sell directly to consumers, according to the USDA.

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