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House of Representatives
Session of 2017 - 2018 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted:	May 9, 2018 11:29 AM
From:	Representative Carol Hill-Evans
To:	All House members
Subject:	Resolution – Designating August 2018 as “Pennsylvania Produce Month”

In the near future, I plan to introduce a resolution designating the month of August 2018 as “Pennsylvania Produce Month.” The fruit and vegetable production industry is an important contributor to Pennsylvania’s economy. Pennsylvania is the nation’s leading producer of mushrooms. In addition, the Commonwealth is among the nation’s top producers of bell peppers, cantaloupes, pumpkins, snap beans, sweet corn, apples, grapes, and peaches. There are approximately 1,000 farmers’ markets in Pennsylvania, which are crucial for bringing fresh produce into communities. Pennsylvanians can also find fresh produce in abundant supply at roadside farm markets and supermarkets. Many of the state’s farms and orchards sell their produce directly to consumers at local farmers’ markets or have contracts to sell their produce in local grocery stores. Pennsylvania ranks first in the number of farms that make direct sales to consumers and ranks third in total direct sales to consumers. Health authorities have long encouraged the increased consumption of fruits and vegetables to promote good nutrition and disease prevention. The PA Preferred program was established in 2004 to help Pennsylvanians identify produce that has been grown, harvested, and, if applicable, processed in Pennsylvania. Please join me in sponsoring this resolution that recognizes the importance of the produce industry in Pennsylvania by designating August 2018 as “Pennsylvania Produce Month.”

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