Department of Agriculture 
Commonwealth News Bureau 
Room 308, Main Capitol Building 
Harrisburg, PA 17120

CONTACT: Nicole L. C. Bucher
717-787-5085

PENNSYLVANIA FARM MARKET GUIDE NOW AVAILABLE

New Online Tool Helps Consumers Search for Markets by County, Product or Name

HARRISBURG – From sweet corn and pick-your-own strawberries to baked goods and hearty flowers, consumers can find the best Pennsylvania has to offer with the 2009 Consumer’s Guide to Pennsylvania Farm Markets, said Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolff today.

“Pennsylvania is home to more than 1,200 farm markets where consumers can buy fresh, nutritious products,” said Wolff. “The guide is a great way for people to connect with local producers, while directly supporting them and the state’s economy.”

The guide lists farm markets by county and provides the name, location, dates and hours of operation, types of food sold and contact information. The guide also denotes farm markets participating in the state’s Farmers Market Nutrition Program, which benefits older adults and Women, Infants and Children, or WIC, participants.
For the first time, the guide is searchable by county, product or market name at www.agriculture.state.pa.us by clicking on “Online Services” and then “Farm Markets.”

Many Pennsylvania farm markets are travel destinations, giving visitors the opportunity to visit the farm or orchard to pick berries, apples, peaches, grapes and other fresh fruits and vegetables. The guide lists these offerings in conjunction with Keystone Country, the state’s agritourism program.

Keystone Country’s Web site, www.visitpa.com/KeystoneCountry, features an interactive map with agritourism destinations searchable by city or region, and lists nearby restaurants, lodging and activities. For added convenience, the site offers pre-planned road trips with stops at some of Pennsylvania’s best farms and markets.

For more information about farmers markets or stands, or for consumers without Internet access to request a guide, contact Kathy Cutman at 717-783-9948 or kcutman@state.pa.us.