Pennsylvania’s agricultural journey spans hundreds of years. It has transformed from early wilderness into one of the nation’s most versatile farming hubs. During the colonial era, European settlers and native populations practiced subsistence farming. Over time, fertile soil and gentle valleys allowed early Pennsylvanians to scale up wheat production.By the late 18th century, the region earned the nickname “Breadbasket of America.” Many local farmers exported barrels of flour and bushels of wheat to surrounding colonies and overseas markets. 

As transportation networks expanded and Western states took over large-scale grain production, Pennsylvania farmers shifted their focus to specialized livestock, fruit, and dairy operations to supply growing nearby cities.

Today, agriculture stands as a cornerstone of the Keystone State’s economy. It spans over 7 million acres across roughly 53,000 farms. The state excels in dairy, egg, and livestock production, which collectively generate the majority of its farm revenue. Local farmers also dominate specialized niches. Pennsylvania consistently ranks first in the nation for mushroom production, harvesting hundreds of millions of pounds annually.

Modern agricultural movements in Pennsylvania focus heavily on sustainable land stewardship, direct-to-consumer farm markets, and preservation. The state leads national efforts in farmland preservation. Pennsylvania actively conserves hundreds of thousands of acres from urban development to ensure future food security. Meanwhile, a rising generation of new and beginning farmers, urban agricultural projects, and USDA-certified organic growers continue to meet the demand for locally grown foods. Pennsylvania’s deep agricultural roots continue to nourish both local communities and the broader national supply chain.

About the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture exists to ensure a vibrant economy, a successful future for the state’s agricultural industry, and to safeguard the public. It achieves this core mission by making targeted investments to grow opportunities and remove regulatory barriers, protecting human, animal, environmental, and plant health, promoting local products, and conserving vital farmland and natural resources.

To fulfill this mission, the department oversees a diverse portfolio of daily responsibilities.Led by an appointed Director. It regulates food safety from farm to table, monitors weights and measures, oversees animal health and dog laws, and manages agricultural business development and financial assistance programs. 

Additionally, the agency drives initiatives like the “PA Preferred” marketing program, directs farmland preservation efforts, and enforces plant industry and pest regulations to keep Pennsylvania’s farms thriving and safe.

Learn more at https://www.pa.gov/agencies/pda.

Top 5 Agricultural Commodities in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania’s agricultural sector plays a vital role in powering both the local economy and the nation’s food supply. There are over 50,000 farms spanning more than seven million acres. Tthe state generates billions in cash receipts while feeding millions of consumers. From world-famous specialty crops to essential livestock operations, Pennsylvania’s unique geography and rich soils allow it to stand out as an agricultural powerhouse.

Dairy Products

Dairy represents the largest segment of Pennsylvania’s agricultural economy. It generates over $2 billion annually. Local dairy farms supply fresh milk, butter, cheese, and ice cream across the Mid-Atlantic region. Nationally, Pennsylvania consistently ranks among the top states for total milk production. And it houses over 450,000 dairy cows.

Mushrooms

Pennsylvania dominates the national mushroom industry. It produces over 60% of all white button and specialty mushrooms consumed in the United States. Mushroom farming creates a massive local economic footprint. It generates hundreds of millions of pounds harvested annually. The town of Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, is officially known as the “Mushroom Capital of the World.” 

Poultry & Eggs

Poultry (including broiler chickens, turkeys, and egg-laying hens) is a major revenue driver for Pennsylvania. The state produces hundreds of millions of broiler chickens every year. Pennsylvania egg farms produce billions of eggs each year. It ranks near the top nationally for table egg production. It also supplies supermarkets across the Eastern Seaboard.

Corn (Grain and Silage)

Corn is essential to Pennsylvania’s farming ecosystem. It is planted on roughly one million acres statewide. While some corn goes toward fresh market consumption, the vast majority is grown as grain or silage to feed the state’s massive dairy herd, cattle operations, and poultry farms.

Cattles & Calves

Pennsylvania maintains a robust beef industry. It holds an inventory of around 1.4 million total cattle and calves across the state (including over 200,000 dedicated beef cows). While dairy cows make up a large portion of the total herd, beef production plays a massive role. It  generates cash receipts for local farmers and provides high-quality beef to eastern U.S.consumer markets.

Fruits and Vegetables from Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania’s diverse geography, favorable climate, and rich soils allow local farmers to harvest a vast range of specialty crops. While livestock and dairy dominate total farm revenue, fruit and vegetable production form the heart of the state’s direct-to-consumer farming, farm stands, and regional processing networks. Together, these crops generate hundreds of millions of dollars in economic value. And it solidifies the Keystone State’s standing as a premier East Coast produce supplier.

Top Fruits

• Apples: Apples are Pennsylvania’s top fruit crop. It generates tens of millions of dollars annually and places the state 4th in the nation for total apple production. Local orchards produce over 400 million pounds of apples each year. The harvest supports both fresh market grocery sales and a major processing industry that yields applesauce, cider, and juice for national brands.
• Peaches: Pennsylvania ranks 5th nationally in peach production. Local orchards harvest around 30 to 40 million pounds of fresh peaches each season. Peaches provide fresh fruit to East Coast grocery chains and farmers’ markets throughout late summer.
• Grapes: Concentrated primarily along the shores of Lake Erie in Erie County, Pennsylvania ranks among the top 5 states nationally for grape production. Erie County’s unique lake effect climate prevents early frosts. This allows farmers to harvest over 80,000 tons of grapes annually. The crop heavily supports regional juice production. It also is why the state has a booming commercial wine industry.

Top Vegetables

• Mushrooms: While botanically classified as fungi, mushrooms are categorized under vegetable crops in agricultural reporting. And Pennsylvania is the undisputed national leader. Producing over 60% of all fresh mushrooms in the United States. The state yields hundreds of millions of pounds annually. It is the most lucrative single specialty crop in Pennsylvania agriculture.
• Sweet Corn: Sweet corn is Pennsylvania’s largest fresh-market field vegetable crop by acreage. Farmers plant roughly 10,000 to 14,000 acres every year. Grown across virtually every county in the state, sweet corn is a staple of roadside stands, local farm markets, and regional grocery distribution networks throughout the summer months.
• Tomatoes: Tomatoes rank as one of the state’s most valuable fresh and processed vegetable crops. Pennsylvania farmers cultivate thousands of acres of fresh-market and processing tomatoes. They utilize high-tunnel greenhouses and traditional field farming. They supply tomatoes to regional urban hubs like Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and New York City.

Visit our Produce Directory and learn how to Select, Store and Serve these fruits & vegetables.

About 50 States of Agriculture 

In celebration of 250 years of the United States, The Produce Moms is proud to present 50 States of Agriculture. This is an educational and free resource that celebrates the bounty of America. We utilized USDA and State Department of Agriculture data (Pennsylvania) for the content in this series.

Agriculture is the foundation of freedom. Food security is national security. This content series is a celebration of United States culture and the hard-working farmers who feed, fuel &  clothe our nation and the world.

Visit another state from our 50 States of Agriculture.