Pennsylvania Farmers Markets Top 'America's Favorite' List

Lansdowne, Easton Markets Named Second Favorite in Boutique, Small Categories

HARRISBURG, Pa., Sept. 10 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Eight Pennsylvania farmers markets were voted among America's favorite spots to purchase locally produced products as part of the American Farmland Trust's "America's Favorite Farmers Markets" contest, said Agriculture Secretary Russell C. Redding today.

"Pennsylvania's agriculture industry is incredibly diverse and farmers markets provide consumers with a unique opportunity to build relationships with the farmers who produce their food," said Redding. "I congratulate the farmers markets voted as America's favorites on this achievement and thank them for their hard work and dedication to providing consumers with affordable, local food at the peak of flavor."

Easton Farmers Market, in Northampton County, is America's second favorite small market (16-30 vendors); followed by the Emmaus Farmers Market, in Lehigh County, in eighth place; Upper Merion Farmers Market, in Montgomery County, in 10th place; and the 12th place West Chester Growers Market, in Chester County.

Lansdowne Farmers Market, in Delaware County, was voted as the nation's second favorite boutique market (15 or fewer vendors), trailed by Carbon County's Jim Thorpe Farmers Market in sixth place, and the Farmers Market in Hershey, Dauphin County, in 13th place.

York County's Central Market House was selected as the nation's eighth favorite medium-sized market (31-55 vendors).

Thousands of votes were cast in the contest that was held June through August. The contest was designed to raise national awareness about the importance of supporting fresh food from local farms and farmers.

"I encourage consumers to visit the state's more than 1,200 farmers markets and farm stands this fall to experience the diversity of Pennsylvania agriculture and find their own favorite spot," said Redding. "Be sure to look for the PA Preferred logo to further ensure you are getting products produced or processed in Pennsylvania."

PA Preferred – recognized by a blue keystone and gold checkmark – is a branding initiative designed to help consumers easily locate locally-sourced products. There are more than 2,000 members enrolled in the program, including farmers markets, restaurants, food processors, grocery chains, plant nurseries, fiber mills, wood products manufacturers, Christmas tree farms, craft breweries and wineries.

The 2010 Consumers Guide to Pennsylvania Farm Markets, which provides general information about each of the state's farm markets, is available at Pennsylvania Turnpike plazas or by calling 717-787-6041.

A searchable guide can be found online at www.agriculture.state.pa.us by clicking on "e-Services" and then "Farm Markets and Farm Stands."

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

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture