GARDNERS, Pa. — Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding yesterday feted the agriculture, cider, and apple industries for their impact on the commonwealth at a National Ag Day celebration in Adams County.

The event, held at Big Hill Ciderworks, highlighted the emerging high-value industry of cider production, and the important role played by apple and fruit production.

“Agriculture impacts all Pennsylvanians, no matter which corner of the commonwealth they call home,” said Sec. Redding. “From the food we eat to the beverages we drink, from the products we use to the land we preserve, the state’s agriculture industry plays a critical role in our daily lives. Today, and every day, we recognize those contributions.”

Pennsylvania is home to 43 cideries and ranks sixth in the nation for cider sales. Additionally, recent data shows that participation in the cider industry can increase farm revenue by 166 percent and can generate $25 million in total economic impact.

“The cider industry has presented significant opportunities to Pennsylvania agriculture, including the creation of hundreds of jobs and additional revenue for our state,” said Sec. Redding. “As consumer interest in cider products continues to grow, so too will the benefits to the commonwealth.”

The Agriculture Council of America created National Ag Day in 1973 to raise awareness of the critical role agriculture plays in American society. Governor Tom Wolf this week issued a proclamation observing the 2018 celebration and declaring March 18-24 as Agriculture Week in Pennsylvania.

For more information about 2018 National Ag Day, including national photo, essay, and video essay contest winners, visit www.agday.org.

For more information about the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s programs and services, or to read the state’s Agriculture Economic Impact Study, visit the Department’s website at www.agriculture.pa.gov.