Ag Secretary Russell Redding tells Pennsylvanians to shop local this Thanksgiving

By Cassie Miller

State Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding is encouraging Pennsylvanians to buy local as they plan and prepare for their Thanksgiving meals this year. 

“Shopping locally and looking for the PA Preferred checkmark directly supports Pennsylvania family farms and supports jobs and the economy right where you live,” Redding said ahead of the holiday. 

Redding also recognized the farmers and agriculture workers who put food on the tables of Pennsylvanians, and who make the commonwealth’s $132 billion agriculture industry tick. 

 “As we spend time with our loved ones, giving thanks for the season and harvest, we share our gratitude to the farmers and agricultural workers who fill our dinner tables this holiday season and every day,” Redding said. 

The Department of Agriculture said that shoppers can support Pennsylvania farmers by: 

• Looking for products with the PA Preferred logo when shopping for groceries
• Seeking out and supporting Pennsylvania’s farmer veterans
• Shopping at local markets and farm stands
• Visiting the PA Culinary Trails
• Using the PA Produce Guide to purchase produce that is in season

The department said that “consumers can shop directly from more than 6,400 farms and enjoy agritourism activities at more than 700 farms operating pick-your-own pumpkins and Christmas trees this holiday season.”

Pennsylvania ranks second in the nation for the number of farms that sell directly to consumers, according to the USDA. 

Cassie Miller is associate editor at the Pennsylvania Capital-Star, where this story first appeared.