There’s no better time to take a look at agribusiness’ impact on the Commonwealth than during Pennsylvania Produce Month, a venture by the Pennsylvania Vegetable Marketing and Research Program’s PAVeggies.org to bring awareness to the Keystone State’s bounty.
Check these impressive facts that showcase how produce—and other agribusiness—is key not only to Pennsylvanians’ health but also to the economy’s well-being:
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Agribusiness is a leading economic driver of Pennsylvania’s economy.
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Agribusiness accounts for more than 12,400 establishments and more than 277,800 employees, nearly 5 percent of employment.
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Pennsylvania leads the United States in:
- #1 for mushrooms and organic mushrooms
- #3 for certified organic sales
- #4 for apples, grapes and pumpkins
- #7 for sweet corn
- Pennsylvania has 3,950 growers that plant 49,400 acres and produce 280,000 tons of veggies and fruit. Key veggies harvested are:
- Sweet corn: 10,300 acres
- Tomatoes: 3,500 acres
- Cantaloupes: 1,200 acres
Learn more in the infographic below:
Curious what to do with all that seasonal goodness? PAVeggies.org is serving up simple go-to tips and easy-to-make recipes from top Pennsylvania chefs. Other PAVeggies.org resources for the home cook include How to Prepare Veggies, How to Preserve and Can Veggies, a Vegetable Grilling Guide, PA Vegetable Seasons and Buying Tips, Nutritional Information and Fun and Healthy Facts.
Like PA Veggies on Facebook (PAVeggies) and follow PAProduce on Twitter (@PAVeggies); use #PAVeggies to stay up-to-date during PA Produce Month.
The Pennsylvania Vegetable Marketing and Research Program is a statewide marketing order established by a grower referendum, governed by a grower board and funded by grower assessments. The Program’s sole purpose is to serve the vegetable growers of Pennsylvania by promoting Pennsylvania-grown vegetables and funding practical vegetable production research.
- Photo: Linda Schneider
