Governor Shapiro Highlights Commitment to Pennsylvania's Agricultural Industry

Governor Shapiro recently addressed state officials, agricultural leaders, and producers at the Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences' annual Ag Progress Days luncheon, emphasizing his Administration's continued support for Pennsylvania's farmers, growers, and producers. The governor highlighted the importance of the agricultural industry, which contributes $132 billion annually to the economy and supports nearly 600,000 jobs. He noted that his Administration has made historic investments in agriculture, including the PA Farm Bill, the Agricultural Innovation Grant Program, and Centers of Excellence, to spur innovation, protect against animal disease, and strengthen the food supply chain.

Key Takeaways:

• Governor Shapiro's Administration has invested in the agricultural industry, with a focus on innovation, animal disease protection, and food supply chain strengthening.
• The agricultural sector is a significant contributor to Pennsylvania's economy, generating $132 billion annually and supporting nearly 600,000 jobs.
• The governor has allocated funds for the PA Farm Bill, the Agricultural Innovation Grant Program, and Centers of Excellence to support agricultural growth and development.
• Since taking office, Governor Shapiro has brought together Democrats and Republicans to invest in new technologies, strengthen supply chains, and expand economic opportunity for farmers, growers, and producers.
• The Agricultural Innovation Grant Program has awarded funding to 88 projects across 45 counties, supporting 31 Pennsylvania-produced commodities and 40 areas of innovation.
• Governor Shapiro's commitment to agriculture has helped maintain Pennsylvania's position as a national leader in the industry.

Statistics:

• $132 billion: The annual contribution of the agricultural industry to Pennsylvania's economy.
• 600,000: The number of jobs supported by the agricultural sector in Pennsylvania.
• 50,000: The number of farms in Pennsylvania, all of which play a critical role in feeding families, supporting rural communities, and sustaining the state's agricultural heritage.
• 88: The number of awardees in the first round of the Agricultural Innovation Grant Program.
• 45: The number of counties represented by awardees in the first round of the Agricultural Innovation Grant Program.
• 31: The number of Pennsylvania-produced commodities supported by awardees in the first round of the Agricultural Innovation Grant Program.
• 40: The number of areas of innovation supported by awardees in the first round of the Agricultural Innovation Grant Program.

Sources:

• Pennsylvania Office of the Governor (2023)
• PA Farm Bill
• Agricultural Innovation Grant Program
• Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences (2023)
• Ag Progress Days