Hundreds of farmers traveled to Harrisburg to discuss Pennsylvania Farm Bureau’s (PFB) priorities for 2023 with state lawmakers as part of PFB’s annual State Legislative Conference on Tuesday.
PFB members and lawmakers heard from key state officials, including Governor Josh Shapiro, Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding, House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Chair Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski, House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Minority Chair Rep. Dan Moul and Senator Judy Schwank, the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Minority Chair.
Shapiro outlined his administration’s plan to advance agriculture in Pennsylvania, highlighting the effects of avian influenza on the state’s economy, while committing additional funding toward mitigating the virus. Shapiro noted that supporting farmers needs to be a bipartisan effort.
During a news conference at the capitol, PFB President Chris Hoffman shared PFB’s stance on a variety of issues, including the challenges that the state dairy industry is facing, including the current milk over order premium and the need for more milk processing in Pennsylvania. Other topics discussed included climate initiatives, such as the clean streams fund created through the Agricultural Conservation Assistance Program (ACAP).
“Seeing farmers flood the capitol is something that always makes me smile,” Hoffman said. “I think it’s one of the most important things we do as members of the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau. It’s important for us to tell our story, and today is the perfect day to do that.”
PFB showcased its commitment to educating the next generation of consumers as the Pennsylvania Friends of Ag Foundation’s new GIANT Immersion Lab was available for PFB members and state legislators to tour.
Source: morningagclips.com
Photo Credit: Pennsylvania Farm Bureau
Categories: Pennsylvania, Education, Livestock, Dairy Cattle, Rural Lifestyle