​Become a Member

PA Preferred® is a statewide marketing program that helps Pennsylvania farmers promote the products they grow, produce and/or process. Businesses that support Pennsylvania farmers by sourcing their ingredients from Pennsylvania farms (or…sourcing their ingredients locally) also may be eligible for the program.

Why you should become a member:

• The PA Preferred logo differentiates Pennsylvania-produced products in a local-minded market, assuring consumers that they are buying Pennsylvania grown, produced and processed food and agricultural products.

• PA Preferred provides consumers a tangible way to support Pennsylvania farms and their local communities.

• Displaying the PA Preferred logo on websites or at places of business invites consumers to ask about the program, providing an opportunity for farmers and/or business owners to share their story and connect with their customers.
  

• PA Preferred brand awareness is growing rapidly. When you use the logo, your products will be associated with this network of Pennsylvania products, giving your company a competitive advantage.

• The program is free to qualified producers, processors, farmers’ markets/retail businesses, dining establishments/restaurants, and supporting organizations.

Qualifications

PA Preferred members are a dynamic and diverse collection of businesses that represent Pennsylvania agriculture. PA Preferred membership is a network of individuals and businesses that produce, process, prepares, sells, promotes, or are involved with any aspect of production, processing, or preparation of PA-produced agricultural commodities. Eligibility is outlined in the PA Preferred Act.

Farmer/Producer

A farmer/producer must be a farmer or producer who produces an agricultural commodity entirely harvested from PA or grown in PA for at least 75 percent of its production cycle.

PA Preferred farms are growing fruits, vegetables, flowers, grains. They are raising animals for meat, milk, and fleece. Farmers are the heart of the PA Preferred program and easily qualify for the program when they are located within Pennsylvania. 

Processor

A processor must be a business that processes an agricultural product at a facility in Pennsylvania. The agricultural product must be produced in Pennsylvania to the maximum extent possible given seasonal restrictions and market availability.

Our food processors include a variety of businesses that process commodities into ice cream, bread, pickles, honey, maple syrup, and so much more. Some examples of PA Preferred® beverage processors include brewers, wineries, and distilleries. Fluid milk plants also fall into this category.

Farmers’ Markets and Retail Businesses market or sell Pennsylvania-produced agricultural commodities and products from PA Preferred members. Farmers’ Markets that feature vendors that are either producers themselves or vendors that carry Pennsylvania-produced items are eligible for the PA Preferred program. Retailers, grocery stores, and nurseries must be physically located in Pennsylvania and must carry a substantial number of Pennsylvania-produced products.

Supporting Organizations refer to trade, industry, or commodity organizations that have been approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture to promote PA Preferred to their members. Supporting organizations include the PA Vegetable Marketing and Research Program, the Pennsylvania Co-Operative Potato Growers, among others.