Governor Tom Corbett opened the 99th Pennsylvania Farm Show on Saturday by welcoming visitors to celebrate the state’s agriculture industry.
“From farm to fork, agriculture is Pennsylvania’s largest industry, touching almost every aspect of our lives,” Gov. Corbett said. “We’re home to all types of industries, all kinds of people and countless ways of living, but the Pennsylvania farmer remains the embodiment of our thrift, our enterprise, our work ethic, and our dreams of a better life built by our own hands. Because we’re an agricultural state, we’re also a better state, and a better people.”
He addressed visitors during the show’s opening ceremonies in the show’s Large Arena. The ceremonies included the “Parade of Agriculture,” featuring the show’s competitive exhibits, and a demonstration by the State Police Mounted Drill Team. Agriculture Secretary George Greig echoed Governor Corbett’s comments.
“Nothing tells the story of Pennsylvania agriculture, and Pennsylvania living, more than the farm show,” he said. “The farm show is about tradition, and sharing traditions with everyone who visits. My thanks to all who dedicate their lives to keeping agriculture the cornerstone of Pennsylvania’s economy.”
During his administration, Governor Corbett has supported agriculture and kept farmers and Pennsylvania growing by:
- Expanding markets here and abroad, leveraging state resources to open foreign markets for Pennsylvania agribusinesses, attracting other agribusinesses to establish operations in Pennsylvania, and helping homegrown agribusinesses expand their in-state operations;
- Eliminating the “death tax” on farm real estate, helping farmers transition their properties more easily to the next generation;
- Marketing local products through PA Preferred™, the official brand of agricultural products made or grown in Pennsylvania;
- Establishing a first-of-its-kind milk distribution program that provides access to fresh milk for more than 50,000 Pennsylvanians in need;
- Increasing farm efficiency by improving the state’s roadways;
- Removing “red tape” that prevents farmers from doing their jobs by updating farm equipment transportation regulations, hoop structure regulations, animal health requirements, and limits on potato packaging; and
- Preserving the 500,000th acre of Pennsylvania farmland through the state’s nation-leading preservation program.
The 2015 Pennsylvania Farm Show is the largest indoor agricultural event in the nation, with 24 acres under one roof that feature nearly 6,000 animals, 10,000 competitive exhibits and 300 commercial exhibitors. The show runs Jan. 10-17 at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center in Harrisburg. Admission is free and parking is $10.
For more information or a complete schedule, visit www.farmshow.state.pa.us.
