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Pennsylvania Governor Rendell kicks off Farm Show…Recognizes Pennsylvania's Renewable Energy efforts, PA Preferred Companies

HARRISBURG, Pa., Jan. 5 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Edward G. Rendell today opened the Pennsylvania Farm Show by reinforcing the state's commitment to agriculture and recognizing the industry's role in Pennsylvania's renewable energy efforts.

"Agriculture has been vital to our economy and culture since the beginning of the commonwealth," said Governor Rendell.

"Pennsylvania's agriculture industry continues to grow and adapt to the changing needs of Pennsylvanians. Our farmers today are taking advantage of exciting new opportunities, like alternative energy, and I am committed to finding the resources they need to keep growing."

Governor Rendell proposed a comprehensive energy package nearly a year ago that is designed to accelerate Pennsylvania's efforts to become a leader in the fast-growing clean and renewable energy economy. The Energy Independence Strategy is designed to save Pennsylvania consumers $10 billion over the next decade, increase investment in the state's alternative and renewable energy production industries and create 13,000 jobs.

"Our agriculture industry is set to reap tremendous benefits from investments in renewable energy while benefiting all Pennsylvanians," said Governor Rendell. "Farmers play a critical role in reaching our goal of energy independence, and we will look to them to grow the corn and soybeans necessary to meet those goals."

During the opening ceremony, Governor Rendell recognized members of the state's PA Preferred marketing program. The PA Preferred branding program was launched in January 2004 by Governor Rendell to help market state-sourced food products and goods manufactured and processed in the state. More than 1,500 members have enrolled to date. The Governor shared other accomplishments of Pennsylvania's agricultural industry including:

 -- More than $130 million in economic development funds through programs such as the First Industries Fund and the Next Generation Farmer Loan Program;

 -- More than $4 million to support the 115 county and community fairs;

-- Nearly $380 million in crop protection to Pennsylvania farmers through the $3 million Crop Insurance Assistance Program;

-- The Resource Enhancement and Protection, or REAP, Program, which is a $10 million state tax credit program to help farmers implement conservation practices on their farms;

-- The removal of 1.7 million lbs of pesticides from the environment through the Chemsweep program; and

-- The awarding of 44 grants through Healthy Farms and Healthy Schools Program to Pennsylvania schools promoting both agricultural and nutrition education in the classroom.

The Rendell administration is committed to creating a first-rate public education system, protecting our most vulnerable citizens and continuing economic investment to support our communities and businesses. To find out more about Governor Rendell's initiatives and to sign up for his weekly newsletter, visit http://www.governor.state.pa.us.