Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf recently designated March 18–24 as Pennsylvania Agriculture Week, a time to acknowledge the prolific farming industry in the state. As part of the celebration, on Tuesday, March 20, Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding acknowledged the agriculture, cider, and apple industries at a National Ag Day celebration at Big Hill Ciderworks in Adams County.
“Agriculture impacts all Pennsylvanians, no matter which corner of the commonwealth they call home,” said Sec. Redding. “From the food we eat to the beverages we drink, from the products we use to the land we preserve, the state’s agriculture industry plays a critical role in our daily lives. Today, and every day, we recognize those contributions.”
The backdrop of Big Hill’s production facility helped to highlight the emerging high-value industry of cider production, along with the important role of apple and fruit production in the state. Pennsylvania, ranking sixth in the country for cider sales, is home to over 40 cideries, many of which gather to participate in the PA Cider Fest in June. The state’s cideries are promoted and represented by the PA Cider Guild. Recent data shows that participation in the cider industry can be a huge value-add for farms: It can increase farm revenue by 166 percent and can generate $25 million in total economic impact.
“The cider industry has presented significant opportunities to Pennsylvania agriculture, including the creation of hundreds of jobs and additional revenue for our state,” said Sec. Redding. “As consumer interest in cider products continues to grow, so too will the benefits to the commonwealth.”
As Pennsylvania’s agricultural industries grow, it means not only a stronger economy for residents, but more and better locally-sourced options for food lovers. Cheers to that!
- Photos: PA Dept. of Agriculture
