Pennsylvania is a national leader in sustainable practices, and our agriculture industry demonstrates that daily in our dedication to the environment from our northern tier forests to the many farms and agribusinesses across the state.
As a commonwealth, we were one of the earliest adopters of nutrient management programs. We are dedicated to the health and longevity of our forests and waterways. We have the most preserved farmland. We funded the first, and still only, state-level farm bill of its kind in the United States.
We use these resources to ensure our farmers and producers can continue sustainably building Pennsylvania agriculture as the number one industry in our state.
As Gov. Josh Shapiro and I visited the Flinchbaugh Farm Market and Orchard in York County a few weeks ago, I was struck by their dedication to caring for our lands, our water and the ecosystem in every aspect of their business practices.
During our tour, it was apparent why this family and farm were selected as the 2022 Leopold Conservation Award recipients. They, like so many other farmers, understand the importance of healthy lands, fertile soils and clean water, and their example is leading the way for farmers across our nation.
What we saw on their farm, we have seen on many farms across the commonwealth. Pennsylvania farmers have put in place conservation practices that ensure both the sustainability and the productivity of their land.
No-till practices and cover crops improve soil health and reduce erosion and nutrient runoff. Rotational grazing and nutrient management plans aid in increasing carbon sequestration and better biodiversity.
Riparian buffers and integrated pest management plans bolster our native species, provide habitat for wildlife, and keep pollutants from our waterways.
Agriculturalists are revitalizing urban soils and spaces through innovation and community partnership. Sustainable forestry and silviculture practices are used to manage our trees and needs for lumber.
Farmers understand that healthy soil and clean water are central to their success, directly impacting the quality of their products and profits.
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture works with partners to assist farmers in implementing best management practices for the benefit of all.
Pennsylvania was one of the first states in the nation to implement a Nutrient Management Act, dating back 30 years to 1993. Since that time, over 1,200 farms have implemented these plans to cover nearly 268,000 acres of farmland.
Through programs like the Resource Enhancement and Assistance Program, which is designed to assist farmers with implementing conservation practices and purchasing specialized conservation equipment, the state has invested more than $140 million in tax credits benefiting over 3,500 farms and contributing to more than 600,000 acres of conservation across the commonwealth.
And to guarantee that our farms can continue their work to feed our communities and safeguard our environment, the state of Pennsylvania has worked with counties and farmers to purchase the development rights of farmers’ lands.
To date, Pennsylvania has preserved 6,180 farms across 58 counties, guaranteeing 622,238 acres of land will always be dedicated to production agriculture.
Our farmers have been implementing everyday good management practices on their own for generations, without public assistance. However, many more want to do the right thing by installing conservation practices but require technical and financial assistance.
The Agriculture Conservation Assistance Program provides a generational opportunity for farmers to install conservation practices for the viability of their farms and the benefits of improved soil health and water quality.
And we’re only getting started. Under the guidance of the State Conservation Commission, led by Doug Wolfgang, we are coupling new programs like ACAP and the PA Farm Bill’s Conservation Excellent Grant with existing programs like AgriLink and the Dirt, Gravel and Low Volume Road maintenance program to ensure conservation is occurring in every corner of Pennsylvania.
Source: lancasterfarming.com
Photo Credit: istock-blackjack3d
Categories: Pennsylvania, Business, Crops, Rural Lifestyle, Sustainable Agriculture