Pennsylvania Gov. Rendell Declares August 'Produce Month'

PA Preferred Helps Consumers Identify Locally Grown Fruits, Vegetables

HARRISBURG, Pa., July 31 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Edward G. Rendell has proclaimed August as "Produce Month" in Pennsylvania, citing the significant health and economic benefits of the state's more than $200 million fruit and vegetable industries.

"Pennsylvania is a national leader in the production of a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables," said Governor Rendell. "The state's fruit and vegetable producers work hard to deliver nutritious, locally grown produce to grocers, restaurants, farmers markets and directly to consumers throughout the state, generating millions of dollars each year for the economy."

Nationally, Pennsylvania ranks first in the production of agaricus mushrooms; third in the production of peaches; fourth in apples; fifth in the production of pumpkins, snap beans for processing, grapes and pears; sixth in tart cherry production; seventh in cantaloupe and sweet corn for the fresh market; and eighth in fresh market tomatoes.

"Pennsylvania farmers produce an abundant supply of delicious and affordable fruits and vegetables and other agricultural products," said Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolff. "Rather than importing food from foreign countries, shipping jobs and money overseas, we can support our local farmers, food processors and economy by purchasing foods grown or processed in our state, easily identified by the PA Preferred label."

The PA Preferred branding program was launched in 2004 by Governor Rendell to help market food products that are grown, harvested and processed in the state. The program's logo features a gold check mark inside a blue keystone.

For more information about PA Preferred, visit www.PAPreferred.com.

The Rendell administration is committed to creating a first-rate public education system, protecting our most vulnerable citizens and continuing economic investment to support our communities and businesses. To find out more about Governor Rendell's initiatives and to sign up for his newsletter, visit www.governor.state.pa.us.

EDITOR'S NOTE: The text of Governor Rendell's proclamation follows:

PROCLAMATION

PRODUCE MONTH

August 2009

Whereas, Pennsylvania is a national leader in the production of a variety of high-quality, nutritious and affordable fruits and vegetables that contribute more than $200 million to the Commonwealth's economy; and

Whereas, each year, Pennsylvania's fruit and vegetable growers produce more than 540,000 tons for fresh market and processing; and

Whereas, Pennsylvania's fruit and vegetable growers are national leaders in the production of mushrooms (1st), peaches (3rd), apples (4th), pumpkins (5th), grapes (5th), pears (5th), processing snap beans (5th), tart cherries (6th), fresh market sweet corn (7th), cantaloupes (7th), and fresh market tomatoes (8th); and

Whereas, health authorities have long encouraged increased consumption of fruits and vegetables for their nutritional benefits and disease prevention qualities because they provide important vitamins, fiber, and other dietary components that are essential to a healthy, balanced diet; and

Whereas, locally-grown and nutrient-dense produce is made available and earmarked "PA Preferred," helping ensure consumers they have chosen food grown and processed to meet the world's highest quality and safety standards for a healthier lifestyle; and

Whereas, fresh Pennsylvania fruits and vegetables are readily available in abundant supply and peak quality at farmer's markets and supermarkets throughout the Commonwealth.

Therefore, In recognition of our thriving fruit and vegetable industries, I, Edward G. Rendell, Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, do hereby proclaim August 2009 Produce Month in Pennsylvania, and urge all citizens to enjoy the Commonwealth's plentiful supply of fresh and processed fruits and vegetables while recognizing the industry's contributions to our economy and health.

Given under my hand and the Seal of the Governor at the City of Harrisburg, on this thirty-first day of August in the year of our Lord two thousand and nine, and of the Commonwealth the two hundred and thirty-fourth.

EDWARD G. RENDELL

Governor

    CONTACT:
    Nicole L. C. Bucher, Ag
    717-787-5085

    Michael Smith
    717-783-1116

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor

RELATED LINKS
http://www.governor.state.pa.us
http://www.PAPreferred.com