Informative Links
IFTA
International Fruit Tree Association
In 1958, The International Fruit Tree Association began its existence as the Dwarf Fruit Tree Association. A small meeting of fruit growers in Hartford, Michigan met to discuss the increasing interest in planting dwarf trees in orchards.
As the meeting ended, it was proposed that the meeting become a regular, annual affair with the goal of keeping tree fruit growers informed and up-to-date on the latest information and research.
IFTA has grown into an international organization noted for its commitment to furthering the fruit tree industry.
IFTA has conducted numerous international meetings and events and its membership spans the globe and is comprised of leading orchards and tree fruit researchers.
Pennsylvania Farm Bureau
PA Farm Bureau
Whether it’s local produce bound for the farmers’ markets or grain exported to faraway lands, Farm Bureau understands just how much government policies can impact how food is grown, shipped and sold. Together, we work to ensure farms of all sizes and types can provide consumers safe, affordable and abundant food supplies.
From small-town America to the international stage, Farm Bureau’s grassroots structure means our members influence policy at every level, from local meetings at the county level to forums with state, national and international leaders.
Farm Bureau membership also provides valuable services for members. Participation in these services and benefits can easily surpass the monetary investment in paying membership dues.
USApple Association
USApple
USApple is a nonprofit, member-based association comprised of and supported by individuals, companies, and state/regional associations within the apple industry. We are the national voice and resource center serving the interests of American apple growers, packer/shippers, processors, marketers, and other interested parties within the apple industry.
Pa Department of Agriculture
PDA
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is committed to a sustainable and safe supply of food and agricultural products in the commonwealth – from the farm to the table – and to being good stewards of the land and Pennsylvania's natural resources. The department promotes the viability of farms, protects consumers, and safeguards the health of people, plants, animals and the environment.
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture encourages, protects and promotes agriculture and related industries throughout the commonwealth while providing consumer protection through inspection services that impact the health and financial security of Pennsylvania's citizens.
Pennsylvania’s 59,000 farm families continue to be the stewards of more than 7.7 million acres of farmland. With $7.5 billion in cash receipts annually from production agriculture, Pennsylvania farmers and agribusinesses are the leading economic driver in our state.
In addition to production agriculture, the industry also raises revenue and supplies jobs through support services such as food processing, marketing, transportation, and farm equipment. In total, production agriculture and agribusiness contributes nearly $75 billion to Pennsylvania’s economy.
PA Preferred
PA Preferred
PA Preferred is a state-supported agricultural marketing program. The State Department of Agriculture launched the PA Preferred program to identify and promote food and agricultural products grown, produced or processed in Pennsylvania.
SHAP
State Horticultural Association of Pennsylvania
The State Horticultural Association of Pennsylvania (SHAP) is an educational organization with a mission “to preserve and enhance the viability of the commercial fruit industry through educational outreach, research support, promotion, and pro-active involvement with legislative affairs.” The association supports the environmental, economic, and social sustainability of the specialty crop industry in the Commonwealth and cooperates with other states in the Mid-Atlantic region to sponsor an annual educational convention and trade show.
WIC Women, Infants, & Children
Farmers Market Nutrition Programs
The WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) provide WIC recipients and low income seniors with fresh, nutritious, unprepared, locally grown fruits, vegetables, and herbs from approved farmers' in Pennsylvania.
Heller Orchards, LLC is authorized by the State agency may accept and redeem FMNP and SFMNP checks. Call your County Aging office to find out when and where they are distributing the checks.
Recipients are given a list of participating farmers and farmers' markets when they receive their checks. These checks are redeemed for fresh fruits and vegetables grown in Pennsylvania.