HARRISBURG, Pa., Jan. 4, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Tom Corbett today opened the 98^th Pennsylvania Farm Show by welcoming visitors to celebrate the state's agriculture industry.

"The Farm Show is a celebration of a way of life here in the commonwealth," said Governor Corbett. "Every Pennsylvanian depends on our 62,000 farm families, and they deserve our heartfelt thanks."

The show's theme, "Pennsylvania Farms: Growing for You," highlights how farmers and agribusinesses grow the state's food and economy.   

"Farmers don't just grow food, they grow Pennsylvania," said Agriculture Secretary George Greig. "They grow our communities by spending their income locally and creating good jobs, preserve our rich agricultural heritage by keeping good farmland in production, and secure our future by ensuring we can continue to feed our nation without being dependent on others."

Governor Corbett shared his accomplishments that have kept farmers and Pennsylvania growing by:

• Eliminating the "death tax" on farm real estate, helping farmers transition their properties more easily to the next generation;
• Marketing local products through PA Preferred™, the official brand of agricultural products made or grown in Pennsylvania;
• Equipping farmers with the tools they need to stay in business through the Keep Pennsylvania Growing initiative, which helps farmers access capital, transition to the next generation, preserve farmland and manage their risks;
• Increasing farm efficiency by improving the state's roadways; and
• Removing "red tape" that prevents farmers from doing their jobs by updating transportation regulations on farm equipment, requirements for health certificates for animals exhibited at fairs and limits on potato packaging.

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 2014 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. 4-11 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: Owen McEvoy, Governor's Office; 717-783-1116Nicole 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

RELATED LINKShttp://www.governor.state.pa.us