By Blake Jackson
Governor Josh Shapiro joined agricultural leaders from across Pennsylvania at the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau’s 75th Anniversary Banquet in Hershey, where he highlighted how his Administration is making historic investments to support the farmers, families, and rural communities that drive the Commonwealth’s top industry.
Since taking office, Governor Shapiro has positioned agriculture as a central component of Pennsylvania’s broader economic development agenda. The proposed 2025-26 budget continues this commitment by strengthening the state’s leadership in agricultural innovation, food security, and long-term economic growth.
Over the past three years, the Governor has partnered directly with producers, farm organizations, and industry stakeholders to modernize agricultural systems, reduce regulatory challenges, and ensure that Pennsylvania operations remain competitive for future generations.
“Agriculture is the backbone of our economy and the heart of our communities. From day one, my Administration has worked to put farmers at the center of Pennsylvania’s economic growth strategy launching the nation’s first Agricultural Innovation Grant Program, opening the Organic Center of Excellence, and supporting poultry farmers with recovery funding and a new western veterinary lab," said Governor Shapiro.
"We’ve also cut permitting backlogs and created new apprenticeships to train the next generation of farmers. This year’s budget builds on that work because Pennsylvania’s future runs through our farmlands and when our farmers succeed, the whole Commonwealth succeeds.”
Agriculture supports more than 600,000 jobs and contributes $132 billion to Pennsylvania’s economy each year. The new budget strengthens both agricultural operations and the state’s food security network, offering support to farmers while helping families access nutritious meals.
“Governor Shapiro understands that strong agriculture requires strong collaborations and he shows up for our farmers,” said Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding.
“From improving permitting times and expanding economic development tools, to supporting the next generation of producers and investing in forward-thinking programs, Governor Shapiro has encouraged his entire Administration to prioritize agriculture driving real impact and real results for our farm and food businesses.”
The 2025-26 budget includes $10 million for the Agricultural Innovation Grant Program and full funding for the Pennsylvania Farm Bill. It also provides a historic $11 million increase for food security, including new investments in PASS, the State Food Purchase Program, a state Food Bucks program, and additional food bank support bringing Pennsylvania’s total commitment to combating hunger to more than $40 million.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-kotenko-a
Categories: Pennsylvania, Government & Policy