Agriculture is a major industry in the U.S. commonwealth of Pennsylvania.[1] As of the most recent United States Census of Agriculture conducted in 2017, there were 53,157 farms in Pennsylvania, covering an area of 7,278,668 acres (2,945,572 hectares) with an average size of 137 acres (55 hectares) per farm.[2] In 2016, Pennsylvania ranked first in the United States in Agaricus mushroom production (63.8% of U.S. sales volume during 2015–16),[3] fourth in apple production,[4] fourth in Christmas tree production,[5] fifth in dairy sales,[6] fifth in grape production, and seventh in winemaking.[7]
Historically, different geographic locations in Pennsylvania were centers for different forms of agricultural production, with fruit production occurring in the Adams County region, fruit and vegetables in the Lake Erie region, and potatoes in the Lehigh County region.[8] Modern agricultural production in Pennsylvania includes corn, wheat, oats, barley, sorghum, soybeans, tobacco, sunflowers, potatoes, sweet potatoes, among others.[2]
- ^ "Agriculture in Pennsylvania". Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission. Archived from the original on 5 February 2013. Retrieved 12 December 2016.
- ^ a b "Historical Highlights: 2017 and Earlier Census Years" (PDF). U.S. Agricultural Census. USDA. Retrieved 28 June 2020.
- ^ "Agaricus Mushroom Value of Sales a Record High in Pennsylvania" (PDF). USDA National Agriculture Statistics Service. Retrieved 12 December 2016.
- ^ "Apple Industry Statistics". United States Apple Association. Archived from the original on 24 August 2017. Retrieved 12 December 2016.
- ^ "Quick Tree Facts". National Christmas Tree Association. Retrieved 12 December 2016.
- ^ "Dairy Cattle and Milk Production" (PDF). 2012 Census of Agriculture. USDA. Retrieved 12 December 2016.
- ^ "About Pennsylvania Wine". Pennsylvania Wine & Wineries. Retrieved 12 December 2016.
- ^ "Pennsylvania's Historic Agricultural Regions". Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission. Retrieved 12 December 2016.