By Blake Jackson
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has signed a nearly $48 billion budget that includes significant investments in agriculture. A key component is a $10 million ag innovation grant aimed at boosting farm efficiency and competitiveness, as proposed by Shapiro earlier this year.
Another crucial initiative is the establishment of an animal diagnostic lab in western Pennsylvania. This lab is designed to provide quicker services to farmers located far from existing labs in the state.
Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding will select the lab site through a competitive process involving universities and other institutions.
The budget also restores funding to the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, which was cut last year due to protests on campus. Additionally, it imposes new accountability measures on all state-aided universities.
To attract dairy processors, the budget allocates $500 million for developing industrial sites. This move is seen as essential to compete with neighboring states, particularly New York, which has successfully lured dairy processors with similar incentives.
While the siting program has garnered bipartisan support, some lawmakers have expressed concerns about the use of debt to fund it. Despite these reservations, the budget passed the House and Senate, with Governor Shapiro signing it into law shortly after the start of the fiscal year.
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture will see a 10% budget increase, with funds allocated for various programs including avian influenza testing and reimbursement, farmers market coupons, and support for the horse racing industry. Penn State's agricultural research and extension programs will maintain their funding level.
Rep. Clint Owlett, R-Tioga, said the siting program has a good mission, but he opposed taking on debt to fund it.
New York’s site development program was a key reason Fairlife chose to build its Northeast dairy plant there instead of in Pennsylvania," said Redding.
Photo Credit: istock-fotokostic
Categories: Pennsylvania, Government & Policy