Russell Redding Confirmed as Pennsylvania's Secretary of Agriculture, Brings Extensive Experience and Vision

In a unanimous decision, the Pennsylvania Senate has confirmed Russell Redding as the state's 27th Secretary of Agriculture. Governor Josh Shapiro nominated Redding, who previously served as agriculture secretary under both Governor Tom Wolf and Governor Ed Rendell. Redding's confirmation marks a significant milestone in his dedication to agriculture and public service.

Expressing gratitude and commitment to serving Pennsylvania, Redding highlighted Governor Shapiro's leadership and shared vision for the state and its agricultural sector. Throughout his career, Redding has demonstrated a deep understanding of the importance of agriculture in addressing critical societal issues and shaping the quality of life for all Pennsylvanians.

Redding's previous tenure as agriculture secretary witnessed both triumphs and challenges. Notably, he led the successful launch of the Pennsylvania Farm Bill, an innovative program that has injected over $50 million into various state-level agricultural initiatives since its inception in 2019. Furthermore, he played a pivotal role in managing Pennsylvania's response to a bird flu outbreak, investing $25 million in a dedicated recovery fund to support poultry producers affected by the crisis.

A native of Pennsylvania and hailing from a dairy farming background, Redding brings a wealth of personal and professional experience to his role. He holds degrees in agriculture education and extension education from Penn State University and, together with his wife Nina, operates a farm in Gettysburg. With over 30 years of public service experience in Harrisburg and Washington D.C., including his work as an agricultural policy advisor on Capitol Hill, Redding's expertise and dedication to the agricultural industry are unparalleled.

Currently serving on the Agriculture subcommittee of the USDA's Equity Commission, Redding remains actively involved in shaping national agricultural policies. Furthermore, his past role as the dean of the School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences at Delaware Valley University further demonstrates his commitment to advancing agricultural education and innovation.

With Russell Redding at the helm of the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture once again, the state's agricultural community can expect a forward-thinking approach, guided by extensive experience and a comprehensive understanding of the industry's challenges and opportunities.

Photo Credit: Pennsylvania DOA