2007-05-17 18:04:39 -

HARRISBURG, Pa., May 17 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- For ripe, red strawberries and the finest selection of vegetables, farm markets are the place to go. Consumers can find fresh, locally grown products at more than 1,000 farm markets across the state with the 2007 Consumer's Guide to Pennsylvania Farm Markets.

"From individual roadside fruit stands to large markets featuring thousands of specialty foods, farm markets are a great place for consumers to buy fresh, nutritious products," said Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolff. "The guide is a great way for people to connect

with local producers, while directly supporting them and the state's economy."

The guide lists farm markets by county and provides the name, location, dates and hours of operation, types of food sold, and contact information for each entry. The guide also denotes farm markets participating in the state's Farmers Market Nutrition Program, which benefits older adults and Women, Infants and Children, or WIC, participants.

Many Pennsylvania farm markets are travel destinations, giving visitors the opportunity to visit the farm or orchard to pick berries, apples, peaches, grapes and other fresh fruits and vegetables. The guide lists these offerings in conjunction with the Blue Ribbon Passport, the state's agritourism program.

The Blue Ribbon Passport features the best of Pennsylvania's agricultural heritage and offers ideas for affordable family fun through attractions including county and community fairs, wineries, farmers markets and farm stay bed and breakfasts.

To get a copy of the 2007 Consumer's Guide to Pennsylvania Farm Markets, visit http://www.agriculture.state.pa.us/ and click on 'Consumers.' For more information on farm markets, contact Frank Jurbala at 717-783-8462 or fjurbala@state.pa.us. For more information on the Blue Ribbon Passport, visit http://www.visitpa.com/blueribbonpassport.

CONTACT: Kristi L. Rooker

(717) 787-5085

Source: Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture