From the first sprouts of leafy greens in the spring to the sweet corn and vine-ripened tomatoes of summer and the deep sunset hues of autumnal beets, carrots and radishes, the Pennsylvania vegetable spectrum is truly magnificent. The state’s diverse landscape, with mountain ranges, fertile river valleys and rolling farmland, sets the stage for tremendous vegetable growth of all kinds. The PA Preferred® designation allows you to find these fresh, locally grown vegetables at your fingertips as you shop at on-farm markets, farm stands, farmers markets, and grocers near you. Just check for the checkmark logo!
Vegetables at Endless Roots Farm in Lackawanna County
To learn more about how PA Preferred works with vegetable farmers to advance this sector of the state’s agricultural industry, we spoke with Michael Keefe, Commodities Program Manager and head of the Pennsylvania Vegetable Marketing and Research Program (PVMRP) and Gwyn Rowland, PA Preferred Program Manager.
Joining Forces
Lindsee Williams and Michelle Piriczky of Endless Roots Farm.
Pennsylvania state funding for vegetable research began more than 30 years ago, and the vegetable grower-created, state-sanctioned board was established in 1988 as PA Veggies. Since then, such initiatives as PA Produce Month and Simply Delicious, have emerged, getting the word out to consumers about the value of consuming PA-grown vegetables.
Most recently, PVMRP joined forces with PA Preferred, the official branding program of Pennsylvania agriculture, which streamlined their mutual efforts. This integration will help to expand PA Preferred branding for all of the state’s agriculture, and gives PA vegetable growers the recognizable checkmark logo plus the robust marketing support of the program.
The PVMRP has 12 grower board seats, four from each of Pennsylvania’s Eastern, Central and Western agricultural regions. PVMRP, along with other PA commodities boards, like potatoes, dairy, peach and nectarine, and apples, function as state-mandated trade associations, allowing for transparency and growth.
Ardry Farms in Centre County
Funding to the PVMRP comes from vegetable growers across the Commonwealth. Currently, PVMRP comprises more than 2,000 vegetable growers. As a vegetable grower, your business automatically qualifies if your farm sells at least $2,000 worth of vegetables to market and you grow at least an acre and/or 1,000 square feet of greenhouse space of vegetables in a production year. Farmers that qualify for the program are assessed a fee that is based off of their annual vegetable production.
Keefe works to connect these many farmers with opportunities. “A big part of the role is to be a point of contact for them and to share the plethora of government resources and grants that are available to them. We’re trying to create as much return on investment as possible.”
Unique Qualities of Vegetable Farming
Jennifer Schmehl farming at Oak Nut Farm in Berks County
Every sector of agriculture is a little different, and vegetable farming has a few distinctions that set it apart.
“If you look at the apple or potato industry, these are large conventional farms that can be about 100 acres, give or take, devoted to that crop. With the vegetable industry, it’s often diversified. The farmers may grow a few apple trees, mushrooms or potatoes in addition to the vegetables,” says Keefe.
Additionally, vegetable farmers may also work on closer to 10 acres, than 100, with perpetually rotating crops.
Oak Nut Farm in Berks County
The state’s vegetable supply chain, starting with farmers and ending with consumers, has a strong and well-networked center. “That middle of the supply chain in Pennsylvania is very competitive and very built out,” says Keefe. “Vegetable growers are working cooperatively in a lot of different ways to aggregate their produce and attract that middle man, or wholesale distributor, who will pick up a large amount.”
These distributors include Three Rivers Grown in the Pittsburgh area, with PA Preferred farms, like Soergel Orchards in Wexford and Mother Earth Organic Mushrooms in Landenberg.
In addition, the direct sales channels are robust and thriving as well. Pennsylvania is ranked second in the nation for direct-to-consumer agricultural sales.
Resources for Growers
Whether it’s a new or generational vegetable farm, there are grants and other funding to help them grow and thrive. These include the Farm Vitality Grant for long-term business planning and reimagination, Value-Added Producer Grants to increase revenue streams and the Agricultural Innovation Grant, which earmarks several million dollars for farmers implementing new technologies or sustainable innovations.
Wayne, Mark and Joanna of Ardry Farms in Centre County
PA Preferred also offers support through its website that offers growers a landing page within a searchable database, point-of-purchase materials, and ongoing outreach through the statewide marketing campaign, a newsletter and social media.
Taste the Rainbow
The PA vegetable “umbrella” is massive, with more than 30 different vegetable crops grown in the state. High tunnels and cold storage extend growing and consumption through all four seasons.
The year kicks off with asparagus, broccoli, lettuce, onions, peas, radishes, spinach and tomatoes popping up through the spring and into the summer.
Jennifer Schmehl of Oak Nut Farm in Berks County
Summer is peak vegetable season, bringing in more veggies, like beans, beets, cabbage, carrots, celery, corn, eggplant, peppers and summer squash.
Fall and winter yield goodies, like turnips, sweet potatoes and winter squash.
Mushrooms are in a category all their own. Pennsylvania ranks first, nationally, in mushroom production and grows them 12 months a year. White button, cremini and portobello are most common, but you can easily find shiitake, oyster mushrooms, enoki and many more, particularly in southeastern and south central Pennsylvania.
The value of buying PA Preferred vegetables is priceless. As the saying goes, “fresh is best,” and it’s wonderful to have so much produce at our fingertips. The spectrum of vegetables is packed with nutrients, like Vitamins A, C and K, important minerals, like magnesium and iron, dietary fiber and protective antioxidants. And, shopping PA Preferred allows you to invest in your community’s land, economy and food systems.
To make the most of your fresh or frozen vegetables, check out the PA Preferred Recipe Book, which is chock-full of inspirational recipes, including parsnip and celery root cream soup, cauliflower steak with chimichurri, and chocolate chip zucchini loaf.
If you’re interested in joining PA Preferred as a vegetable grower, call (717) 787-6901 or visit the Become a Member page to learn more. Find PA Preferred vegetables near you with the PA Preferred search tool, which allows you to search by zip code or produce type, and enjoy!
This series was created in collaboration with PA Preferred.
PA Preferred® is Pennsylvania’s statewide branding program that promotes locally grown and processed food and other agricultural products.
- Feature and first photos: Endless Roots Farm
- Rainbow chard, shiitake, mushroom and cauliflower photos: Bigstock
- Ardry Farms photos: Ardry Farms
- Oak Nut Farm photos: Oak Nut Farm
