The Department of Agriculture this week announced a new agriculture tourism Keystone Country website and an update to its Marketplace for the Mind agriculture education website.

Keystone Country

Sample produce at a farm market, experience the excitement of a county fair, visit a working farm or take a sleigh ride to cut your own Christmas tree with the help of a new interactive tool that showcases agricultural destinations across Pennsylvania, said Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolff.

"Keystone Country" is a new program that unites two of Pennsylvania's largest economic forces – agriculture and tourism – and highlights farm markets, county fairs, farm stays and wineries on an easy-to-use website.

"Pennsylvania is home to a vibrant agricultural industry," said Secretary Wolff. "With gas prices pinching consumers' pocketbooks, Keystone Country makes it easy to plan a fun-filled vacation any time of the year while remaining close to home.

"By taking advantage of the many stops on Keystone Country's interactive maps, travelers can connect with the rich traditions of rural life, while growing the local economy and the state's agricultural industry."

Keystone Country's Web site features four interactive maps with agritourism destinations searchable by city or region, and lists nearby restaurants, lodging and activities. For added convenience, the Web site offers pre-planned road trips with stops at some of Pennsylvania's best farms and markets.

Keystone Country replaces the Department of Agriculture's previous agritourism program, Blue Ribbon Passport, which focused on destinations in the I-78 and I-79 corridors rather than statewide.

Marketplace for the Mind

The revamped "Marketplace for the Mind" website has three sections for educators, students and community members, making it easy to find information tailored to specific needs.

Teachers can easily access lesson plans and professional-development materials; students can connect with youth organizations or search for agriculturally related scholarships; and community members can access information on how agriculture impacts their neighborhood and local economy.

"Marketplace for the Mind is a unique resource for Pennsylvanians looking to teach or learn more about agriculture," said Secretary Wolff. "Easy-to-find educational tools and quality resources help make Marketplace for the Mind a user-friendly source for educators, students and community members who want to deepen their understanding of our state's number-one industry.

"Academic teachers of subjects including English, math, science and social studies can use agriculture as a vehicle for learning," said Secretary Wolff. "Incorporating agriculture into the classroom creates an environment for contextual learning, where students can test academic theories using real world applications in a hands-on, interactive way."

Educators will find a wealth of resources, including classroom-ready lesson plans and interactive activities, ranging from pre-elementary to high school, on topics like alternative energy, animal science, and nutrition.

A "College and Career Marketplace" links students and teachers to colleges offering agricultural areas of study, online courses, job opportunities and agricultural career spotlights.

Students and teachers may also access more than 100 grant and scholarship opportunities and information about youth organizations.

Marketplace for the Mind offers community members information about agriculture in Pennsylvania, including commodity specific statistics, agricultural organizations and news releases, and education and outreach opportunities.

10/24/2008