Farmers Market to Open at Farm Show Complex May 4

Market Open Every Tuesday and Friday from May to November

HARRISBURG, Pa., May 3 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Farmers Open Air Market will return to the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center on May 4, providing Harrisburg area residents and visitors an opportunity to purchase affordable, locally grown food directly from producers, Agriculture Secretary Russell C. Redding said today.

The market will be open from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. every Tuesday and Friday until November.

"Farmers markets provide consumers with a direct connection to Pennsylvania's robust agriculture industry, enabling them to experience first-hand the diversity, affordability and freshness of food products grown in the state and build a relationship with the men and women who grow their food," said Redding. "Whether you stop by for a quick lunch or to pick up products for meals at home, I encourage all Pennsylvanians to support our local farmers and feed the state's economy by visiting one of our more than 1,200 farmers markets and farm stands."

New and returning vendors to the market offer a variety of in-season fruits and vegetables, dairy products, bakery items, cut flowers and bedding plants for purchase.

While shopping at one of Pennsylvania's farmers markets or farm stands, consumers should look for the PA Preferred logo—a gold checkmark in a blue keystone—to ensure they are choosing food grown and processed in the state.

Governor Edward G. Rendell launched PA Preferred in 2004 to readily identify agricultural products grown and processed in Pennsylvania for those consumers and major retail, wholesale and distribution chains interested in supporting local farmers and businesses. Find a list of the more than 4,800 PA Preferred member locations throughout the state at www.papreferred.com.

For a list of farmers markets in Pennsylvania searchable by county, product or market name, visit www.agriculture.state.pa.us and click on "E-Services" and then "Farm Markets."

The seven-month outdoor farmers market is located just off of North Cameron Street, along Industrial Drive, in the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center parking lot. For more information on the market, contact manager Dick Habig at 717-697-9617.

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

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture