Ag. Secretary Redding: Buying Pa. Preferred is an easy way to support Pa. farmers this Thanksgiving

Farmers, like small businesses and retailers, were hard-hit by the shutdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

In an effort to support Pennsylvania-based farmers this holiday season, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is asking shoppers to purchase “PA Preferred” products at their grocery stores. 

“2020 has taught us to pay closer attention to where our food comes from and how it gets from farm to fork. Now, let’s directly thank those who make this happen,” Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding said in a statement. 

“We should always be thankful for Pennsylvania’s farm families, but Thanksgiving serves as the perfect reminder of their hard work,” Redding said. “As you enjoy a wholesome and nutritious Thanksgiving meal next week safely with members of your household, I encourage you to pause in recognition of those whose livelihoods make the holiday bounty possible for us all to enjoy.”

The Department of Agriculture reports that many Thanksgiving Day dinner ingredients are produced locally in Pennsylvania. 

Pennsylvania produces 74 million pounds of pumpkins, 160 million pounds of potatoes and raises more than seven million turkeys annually.