April 13, 2007

Rep. Pitts Visits Organic Farm in Wernersville

Congressman is a Member of House Organic Caucus

Washington—Congressman Joe Pitts (R, PA-16) today visited Spring Creek Farms, an organic farm outside of Wernersville operated by Forrest Stricker.  Congressman Pitts is a member of the House Organic Caucus, a bipartisan group of 42 House Members focused on promoting a greater understanding of the nation’s organic agricultural industry.  Nutrition Business Journal estimates that by 2010, sales of organic foods could reach $23.8 billion, more than double the $10.4 billion in sales in 2003.

“The organic food industry is rapidly growing, and that’s creating a great opportunity for organic farmers,” Congressman Pitts said.  “Pennsylvania’s rich farmland is allowing local farmers like Forrest Stricker to meet this new demand, and I’m glad to support their efforts as a member of the House Organic Caucus.”

On Friday, Congressman Pitts visited Forrest Stricker’s organic dairy farm.  Stricker’s 400 acre farm has 150 cows and has been organic since 1999.  Congressman Pitts met with Stricker to learn more about organic farming and how the industry is affected by federal agricultural policies. 

Congressman Pitts was joined at Stricker’s farm by Dr. Hue Karreman, a nationally recognized organic bovine veterinarian from Lancaster who sits on the National Organic Standards Board.

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