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`Blue Ribbon Tour' of PA Agriculture Offered During Ag Progress Days in Centre County

Posted on: Wednesday, 10 August 2005, 12:00 CDT

HARRISBURG, Pa., Aug. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of Ag Progress Days, one of the largest outdoor agricultural expositions in the nation, State Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolff today invited the public to take a "Blue Ribbon Tour" of the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture's (PDA) building in Rock Springs, Centre County, Aug. 16-18.

"Ag Progress Days is a wonderful educational event for everyone - whether you live on a farm or not," said Wolff. "I invite everyone to learn about Pennsylvania's modern day agriculture. From farmland preservation to agritourism, there's something for everyone at the Department of Agriculture building."

Kids who visit the PDA's building can milk "Penny the Cow"; experiment with the "Scope on a Rope," a microscopic display that magnifies skin on a video monitor; and explore the Marketplace for the Mind, an innovative agricultural education resource. At the conclusion of the tour, visitors will receive a blue ribbon and a state-grown apple. Tour highlights include:

-- Agricultural Education Alley - Features agriculture education materials and general information about the PDA. -- Agritourism Terrace - Offers information on finding farm markets, fairs, wineries and farm-stay bed and breakfast inns and information on horse and harness racing around the state. -- Consumer Protection Parkway - Learn about animal/premise identification, homeland security as it relates to agriculture, maintenance and protection of your agriculture businesses and farm operation health and safety. -- Economic Development Drive - Features information to help with financial considerations involving your agricultural enterprise including the First Industries Programs, Keystone Agricultural Innovation Center, Keystone Development Center and the Next Generation Farmer Loan Program. -- Environmental Stewardship Boulevard - Discover how to preserve your farm, participate in Clean and Green, manage nutrients and take advantage of quality assurance programs. -- Product Marketing Place - Market your agricultural products with help from programs like PA Preferred, Simply Delicious ... Simply Nutritious, Farmers Market Nutrition Programs, international trade opportunities and the Hardwood Development Council. -- Risk Management Road - Help ensure your farm's success with information available on the Center for Dairy Excellence, crop insurance programs, business planning advice and marketing techniques. -- WoodMobile Way - Learn more about the hardwood industry in Pennsylvania and discover the many uses of wood products in common household items.

The event is open Tuesday, Aug. 16, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Wednesday, Aug. 17, 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.; and Thursday, Aug. 18, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Admission and parking are free. For more information about Ag Progress Days or for directions, visit http://apd.cas.psu.edu/ or call 1-814-865-2081.

CONTACT: Kristina L. Watson

(717) 787-5085

Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture

CONTACT: Kristina L. Watson of Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture,+1-717-787-5085

Web site: http://apd.cas.psu.edu/http://www.state.pa.us/

Source: PRNewswire

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