Posted: | June 13, 2019 02:46 PM |
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From: | Representative Carol Hill-Evans |
To: | All House members |
Subject: | Resolution – Designating the Month of August 2019 as “Pennsylvania Produce Month” |
The production of fruits and vegetables are an important part of Pennsylvania’s agriculture industry and play a large role in sustaining the Commonwealth’s economy. As a state, Pennsylvania is the leading producer of mushrooms in the United States and is among the nation’s top producers of bell peppers, cantaloupes, pumpkins, snap beans, sweet corn, apples, grapes, and peaches. In addition, approximately 1,000 farmers markets are located throughout Pennsylvania. These markets play a crucial role in bringing fresh produce to local communities. In the overall production of produce, Pennsylvania ranks first relative to the number of farms that sell directly to consumers and third in total revenue generated from direct sales to consumers. Historically, state health authorities have advocated for Commonwealth residents to increase their consumption of fruits and vegetables as a means to further promote good nutrition and disease prevention. As such, in 2004, the PA Preferred program was established to help Pennsylvania residents identify produce that has been grown, harvested and, if applicable, processed in the Commonwealth. Agriculture is truly an important part of Pennsylvania and the lives of many of its residents. Therefore, I ask that you please join me in sponsoring this resolution that would designate August 2019 as “Pennsylvania Produce Month.” |
Introduced as HR410