HARRISBURG, Pa., Jan. 5, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Tom Corbett today opened the 97^th Pennsylvania Farm Show by welcoming visitors to celebrate the state's agriculture industry.

"Pennsylvania has a rich agricultural tradition, and the Pennsylvania Farm Show honors our oldest and largest industry," Corbett said. "There are almost 13 million people in Pennsylvania, and every one of them depends on 62,000 farm families. To all of our farmers, thank you."

The 2013 Pennsylvania Farm Show theme is: "Made in PA. It makes a difference," based on PA Preferred®, the official brand of agriculture products grown or made in Pennsylvania.

The program's trademark is a gold checkmark inside a blue keystone that can be found on products year-round at farmers markets, restaurants, food processors, grocery chains, craft breweries and wineries.

"This year's Pennsylvania Farm Show is a celebration of PA Preferred," Agriculture Secretary George Greig said. "When you buy PA Preferred products, made and grown in Pennsylvania, it makes a difference to local farmers, communities and our future."

Governor Corbett shared other accomplishments that have kept Pennsylvania growing over the past year including:

• Eliminating the "death tax" on farm real estate, helping farmers transition their properties more easily to the next generation;
• Signing several transportation laws that allow farmers to transport modern farm equipment, helping them work more effectively, boost productivity and ensure a safe and abundant food supply;
• Making government more efficient by using innovative partnerships to help in the operation of the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center with minimal taxpayer dollars; and
• Preserving nearly 13,000 acres of farmland across the state through Pennsylvania's nation leading farmland preservation program.

As part of the opening ceremonies, Governor Corbett congratulated the Pennsylvania Cable Network on 20 years of live coverage from the Pennsylvania Farm Show. He also recognized the Today's Agriculture exhibit for recently earning international honors from the International Association of Fairs and Expositions. The exhibit shows consumers modern production practices used to produce the food supply.

Opening ceremonies also included the "Parade of Agriculture," featuring the show's competitive exhibits, and a demonstration by the State Police Mounted Drill Team.

The 2013 Pennsylvania Farm Show is the largest indoor agricultural event in the nation, featuring more than 6,000 animals, 10,000 competitive exhibits and 300 commercial exhibitors. The show runs Jan. 5-12 at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center in Harrisburg. Admission is free and parking is $10.

For more information or a complete schedule, visit www.farmshow.state.pa.us.

Media contacts:
Kirsten Page, Governor's Office; 717-783-1116
Nicole L. C. Bucher, Agriculture; 717-787-5085

Editor's Note: To receive news releases, media advisories and story ideas, subscribe to the Farm Show Media Service at www.farmshow.state.pa.us (click on Media).

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor