Governor Tom Corbett today kicked off the 2012 Pennsylvania Farm Show by welcoming visitors to celebrate the state’s agriculture industry.
“The Pennsylvania Farm Show is a celebration of agriculture from farm to fork,” said Governor Corbett. “Over the next eight days, agriculture will take center stage and more than 400,000 people will come to pay tribute to our foremost citizens in our foremost industry.”
The governor shared accomplishments that have kept Pennsylvania growing over the past year, including:
• Signing Act 78, which made PA Preferred™ a permanent branding program to help producers market their products to consumers. More than 2,000 businesses are registered;
• The permanent protection of nearly 13,000 acres of farmland statewide through Pennsylvania’s nation-leading farmland preservation program; and
• Establishing the Pennsylvania Dairy Leadership Council, composed of individuals representing all key dairy industry sectors, to coordinate the development and expansion of Pennsylvania’s dairy industry.
During the opening ceremony, Governor Corbett recognized members of the state’s PA Preferred™ marketing program. PA Preferred identifies agricultural products grown and processed in Pennsylvania to consumers and major retail, wholesale and distribution chains interested in supporting local farmers and businesses.
The program’s trademark is a gold checkmark inside a blue keystone that can be found on products year-round at farmers markets, restaurants, food processors, grocery chains, craft breweries and wineries.
“Pennsylvania is home to an abundant and diverse food supply, and buying PA Preferred helps support farmers and local businesses that work to produce quality products and make investments in local economies,” said Governor Corbett. “Made in PA. It makes a difference.”
Part of the opening ceremonies was the “Parade of Agriculture,” which highlighted each of the show’s departments. Representatives from Penn State Cooperative Extension, youth participants, and exhibitors displayed livestock and dairy animals, commodities and entries from the Family Living Department during the ceremony.
The 2012 Pennsylvania Farm Show is the largest indoor agricultural event in the nation, featuring more than 6,000 animals, 10,000 competitive exhibits and 300 commercial exhibitors. The show runs Jan. 7-14 at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center in Harrisburg. Admission is free and parking is $10.
For more information or a complete schedule, visit www.farmshow.state.pa.us.
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