Shapiro Urges Support for Farm Funding in Pennsylvania

By Blake Jackson

Governor Josh Shapiro recently visited an eighth-generation potato farm in Pennsylvania to emphasize his commitment to supporting agriculture amid federal budget cuts. He stressed that agriculture employs 600,000 Pennsylvanians and generates $132 billion annually. Despite this, Shapiro criticized how agriculture is often viewed as historic rather than vital.

Shapiro highlighted the state’s Agricultural Innovation Grant, which awarded $10 million last year to 88 farmers. If approved, the 2025-26 budget will add $13 million to the program, supporting technology, conservation, and renewable energy projects.

At Sterman Masser Potato Farm, a $200,000 grant will help purchase a planter to double planted acres and improve efficiency.

Lela Reichart from Sterman Masser emphasized the importance of precision planting, saying, “In farming, you get a sliver of a window of opportunity to get the seed in the ground … We need to plant our potatoes between mid-late April to the very beginning of June.”

Shapiro also condemned federal cuts to USDA programs, especially the Local Food Purchasing Assistance (LFPA), which has provided millions of pounds of food to those in need. He urged the federal government to “stop hurting Pennsylvania farmers, stop hurting Pennsylvania food banks, and get those dollars to flow again.”

Speakers noted the growing demand for locally grown food, with CEO Dave Masser calling to reverse the decline in Pennsylvania’s potato acres. Kent Heffner from the Farm Bureau stressed the need for more funding to support smaller farms and on-farm processing to meet rising food demands.

Shapiro outlined plans to promote sustainability through education, apprenticeships, and grants focused on climate-resilient farming. He acknowledged that “climate change is real” and stressed the need to equip farmers with technology and research. However, he warned that federal cuts threaten rural communities and farming futures.

Lastly, Shapiro mentioned increased state support for avian influenza testing after federal reductions, including a new testing lab and a $2 million budget increase if approved. Bird flu remains a serious threat to poultry farmers.

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