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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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CONTACT: Lauren Rooney |
State Rep. Tim Solobay |
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Solobay: Pa. fruit of the vine should be available
at Pa. farmers’ markets
HARRISBURG, March 21 – State Rep. Tim Solobay, D-Washington, said that Pennsylvania’s farmers’ markets are a perfect place to highlight the fruits of our farmers’ labor. But, he notes there is one state agriculture product missing from market booths and tables: Pennsylvania wine.
Solobay has introduced a bill (H.B. 896) that would allow Pa. wineries to sell their wares at farmers’ markets.
“Our wineries continue to grow and are becoming an important part of the state’s agriculture picture,” Solobay said. “Farmers’ markets offer a major opportunity for those involved in agriculture to display their wares. This bill would allow wineries to apply for special off-site permits to sell their products at Pennsylvania farmers’ markets.”
In addition to selling from their winery, Pa. winemakers also may have up to five retail outlets and may sell at festivals. However, farmers’ markets are not included as off-site retail sites approved by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board.
“Representative Solobay’s bill would create a great benefit for farmers’ markets and wine producers,” said Suzanne Ewing, coordinator for the Main Street Farmers’ Market in Washington, Pa. “I am sure that our customers, as well as those who frequent farmers’ markets across the state, would be delighted to have the opportunity to buy high-quality, locally produced wine at their local markets.”
With more than 90 wineries, Pennsylvania ranks eighth in the nation in wine production. For more on the state’s wine industry, visit www.pennsylvaniawine.com.
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Attention Radio News Directors: an actuality from Rep. Solobay is available by calling 1-800-452-3001. Enter PA48 (7-2-4-8) and the pound sign (#) at the menu prompt to get today’s sound. You can also download the sound in .mp3 format by visiting www.pahouse.com/mediacenter.