FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 12, 2004
Contact:  Erin K. Kelly
(717) 846-2828
ekelly@pasen.gov
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State Marks Beekeepers Day, Farm Bureau Day and Arbor Day This Week, According to Sen. Waugh

HARRISBURG -- Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee Chairman Mike Waugh (R-28) has announced that today, Monday, April 12, has been designated by the General Assembly as "Pennsylvania State Beekeepers Day" in the Commonwealth.

Additionally, Waugh will introduce a resolution in the Senate tomorrow, designating Tuesday, April 13, as "Pennsylvania Farm Bureau Day." This coincides with Arbor Day, which occurs the same day.

"These three occasions highlight the importance of agriculture and agribusiness as Pennsylvania's number-one industry," Waugh said.

The senator noted that the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau represents over 33,400 farm and rural families and has 54 farm bureau organizations in 65 counties.

"The Farm Bureau has played an integral role in the development and implementation of legislation and governmental programs that have had lasting and positive effects on the economic welfare of agriculture and agribusiness," Waugh said.

The senator added that 2004 marks the 100th anniversary of the Pennsylvania State Beekeepers Association.

"A lot of people may not realize this, but the honey bee plays a crucial role in agriculture," Waugh explained. "The apple, peach, pear, cherry, grape, strawberry, soybean and pumpkin industries depend a great deal on honey bees for pollination and for increased yields. The Pennsylvania State Beekeepers Association is a tremendous resource to the state's agribusiness."

Waugh noted that the Pennsylvania Landscape & Nursery Association will commemorate Arbor Day 2004 by providing seedlings to state government officials. The PLNA is the leading trade association representing Pennsylvania's $3.1 billion ornamental horticulture industry.

"The contributions of the Farm Bureau, the ornamental horticulture industry and Pennsylvania's beekeepers each play a part in making the Commonwealth one of the top agricultural producers in the U.S., and they deserve our recognition and appreciation," Waugh said.