Governor Josh Shapiro signs bill making the PA Preferred Organic trademark program permanent, enhancing brand recognition and supporting organic farmers in Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania’s Organic Farming Industry: A Permanent Designation
Pennsylvania’s organic farming industry received a significant boost this week as Governor Josh Shapiro signed a bill into law, making the PA Preferred Organic trademark program a permanent fixture in the state. This designation aims to enhance brand recognition and bolster marketing efforts for organic farmers in Pennsylvania.
( Credit to: Penncapital-star )
The PA Preferred Organic Program was initially established in 2019 as part of the Pennsylvania Farm Bill, with the goal of helping farmers in the state increase and diversify their income. This latest legislation solidifies the program’s status and ensures its longevity, providing organic farmers with the support they need to thrive in the rapidly expanding market for organic products.
Representative Pashinski highlighted the growing demand for organic foods among Pennsylvanians, stating, ‘Pennsylvanians are increasingly seeking a greater quantity and variety of organic foods at their markets and groceries.’ By making Pennsylvania-produced organic products easily identifiable with the PA Preferred Organic label, the state aims to encourage more farmers to venture into organic farming and meet the rising consumer demand.
Impressive Growth of Pennsylvania’s Organic Farming Industry
The organic farming industry in Pennsylvania has experienced remarkable growth over the past decade, with the number of organic farming operations nearly tripling to 1,125 farms in 2021. This surge in organic farming is a testament to the increasing popularity of organically grown food among consumers. In fact, Pennsylvania farms generated $1.09 billion in sales of organic commodities in 2021, a significant 48% increase from 2019.
Livestock and poultry were the top organic commodities in Pennsylvania, generating $730 million in sales, followed by mushrooms, which generated $95.4 million. The state’s organic farmers have proven their ability to meet the demand for high-quality organic products, and the PA Preferred Organic program aims to further support their efforts.
The Department of Agriculture, although yet to comment on the bill’s passage, has previously expressed support for a similar version of the legislation that did not progress during the 2021 legislative session. The establishment of a permanent PA Preferred Organic trademark demonstrates bipartisan support and recognition of the program’s effectiveness.
Promoting Organic Farming in Pennsylvania
With the official designation of the PA Preferred Organic program, Pennsylvania’s organic farmers can look forward to increased brand recognition, improved marketing opportunities, and continued growth in the organic farming sector. The state is poised to capitalize on the great potential of organic agriculture, ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for its farmers and consumers alike.