August is Agritourism Month in PA

Governor Ed Rendell hopes his proclamation of "Agritourism Month" will boost awareness of agricultural operations, events, and activities as well as promoting tourism in the state. PA Department of Agriculture Spokesperson Justin Fleming says Agritourism blends two of the state’s top industries- tourism and agriculture. He says PA is the nation’s fourth most visited state and it claims a top five ranking for several agricultural products. Fleming says the 115 county and community fairs are a great way to make a connection between the food on your table and it source.
55 fairs are held in Pennsylvania during the month of August. Fleming says there are other great day trips and weekend getaways that feature agriculture including a long list of wineries, farm markets, and working farms that host overnight visitors in bed and breakfast settings. The state has launched a web site to help travelers make the agritourism plans. Fleming says many of the travel ideas are not only fun and interesting but also easy on the budget.

In Pennsylvania, agriculture is a $61 billion industry and tourism is responsible for bringing in $27 billion a year.