Agriculture Secretary: Locally Produced Food Benefits Pennsylvania Consumers, Economy and Environment

HARRISBURG, Pa., April 23 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Citing its successes in enhancing local economies and reducing the environmental impacts of the food distribution system, Agriculture Secretary Russell C. Redding touted the benefits of locally produced food during testimony before the state House Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee on April 22.

"Pennsylvania is home to an abundant, diverse and affordable food supply," said Redding. "By supporting farmers and local businesses that work hard to produce quality products, we are feeding local economies and making important investments to keep Pennsylvania growing.

"With more than 4,800 PA Preferred member locations throughout the state, we must take steps to recognize their commitment and good work by setting the path for ensuring the state's leading industry – agriculture – remains a viable part of our future."

PA Preferred, launched in 2004 by Governor Rendell, 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 in a blue keystone that can be found on products year-round.

Proposed legislation would make the PA Preferred program permanent by recognizing the program's membership requirements and licensure agreement. The proposed legislation would also require that good production and best management practices be used to ensure the program's trademark continues to stand for quality.

"Agricultural products grown in Pennsylvania are fresher and taste better than those shipped from beyond our borders, and because less energy is used to produce and transport them, they are more affordable and have less impact on the environment," said Redding.

Redding added that most domestic agricultural products are harvested four-to-seven days before being placed on supermarket shelves and are shipped for an average of 1,500 miles before being sold. Only 10 percent of the fossil fuel energy used by the food production system is used for food production; the other 90 percent is used for packaging, transportation and marketing of products.

The PA Preferred program has also helped link the state's small businesses with retail, restaurant, wholesale and distribution chains.

"Consumers want to support local farmers and businesses, and companies are responding," said Redding. "We've seen growth in locally sourced products at major grocery chains, resulting in more than $370 million in sales annually, and work closely with wholesale and distribution chains to ensure many of the products they provide come from Pennsylvania farms and processors."

The hearing was held in the heart of the state's world-leading mushroom industry at the Penn Township Community Building in West Grove, Chester County. Pennsylvania's mushroom growers, many of whom are PA Preferred members, supply more than 60 percent of the nation's fresh market sales and 85 percent of the mushrooms used in processing.

For more information about the PA Preferred program, or to find a member location or product, contact Kristi Rooker at 717-772-3094 or visit www.papreferred.com.

Media contact: Nicole L. C. Bucher, 717-787-5085

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture