The benefits of buying local are many. In addition to financially supporting the region's economy, buying local gives shoppers the opportunity to obtain fresh goods, including produce and dairy and meat products.

Thanks to PA Preferred, which was launched in 2004 as a brand identity for farmers and agribusinesses, it's easy for consumers to identify and purchase agricultural goods that have been grown and processed in Pennsylvania. The PA Preferred Act was signed into law in 2011, officially making PA Preferred the commonwealth's branding initiative for local food and farms.

Products marked with the PA Preferred logo, or the ingredients used to make them, have been grown, harvested, or produced in Pennsylvania. When shoppers choose PA Preferred products, they have assurance that they are providing direct support to Pennsylvania farmers and agribusinesses, all while helping to strengthen the state's economy.

PA Preferred also offers several other programs, including Homegrown by Heroes and Farm to School.

Homegrown by Heroes was founded by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture in 2013 and was implemented in Pennsylvania in 2015 for PA Preferred members who are also veterans. The program features its own logo, which these members can add to their products. The Homegrown by Heroes designation differentiates veteran-owned farms and agribusinesses and allows consumers to intentionally support them. To learn more, visit http://www.papreferred.com/homegrown-by-heroes.

Farm to School features hands-on learning connected to food, health, agriculture, and nutrition while building family and community engagement. It offers educational components, activities such as school gardens, and local foods for school cafeterias. To learn about applying for a Farm to School Grant, visit http://www.agriculture.pa.gov/Funding/Farmbill/Pages/Farm-to-School-Grant.aspx.

To become a PA Preferred member, visit http://www.papreferred.com/become-a-member.