Governor Shapiro's Administration Cuts Red Tape, Speeds Up Permitting for Pennsylvania Farmers

Strategic Insights -

Governor Josh Shapiro, D-Pennsylvania, and Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding visited Kulp Dairy Farm in Blair County to highlight the administration's efforts to speed up permitting and support farmers. The administration's reforms have allowed Kulp Dairy Farm to receive a key permit four months ahead of schedule for their expansion project, which will add nearly 1,000 dairy cows and increase the farm's capacity to supply milk to Land O'Lakes.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Shapiro Administration has cut overall permit, license, and certification times by 70 percent compared to 2022, including reducing DEP's permit backlog by 98 percent and eliminating the oil and gas permit backlog entirely.
  • The Streamlining Permits for Economic Expansion and Development (SPEED) program has allowed qualified professionals to conduct initial application reviews, providing farmers more flexibility and predictability.
  • Governor Shapiro has proposed additional investments in the 2025-26 budget, including $13 million more for the Agricultural Innovation Grant Program and $4 million expansion of the Pennsylvania Agricultural Surplus System.
  • The administration has also invested $1 million to launch the Organic Center of Excellence and establish the PA Preferred Organic(TM) brand, supporting workforce development, processing expansion, and market access.
  • The governor's proposed budget includes $13 million more for the PA Farm Bill, which fully funds workforce development, processing expansion, and market access.
  • More than 50,000 farms in Pennsylvania feed families, support rural communities, and sustain the Commonwealth's rich agricultural heritage, contributing $132 billion each year and supporting over 600,000 jobs.

Statistics:

  • Kulp Dairy Farm received a key permit four months ahead of schedule for their expansion project.
  • The Shapiro Administration has cut overall permit, license, and certification times by 70 percent compared to 2022.
  • The DEP's permit backlog has been reduced by 98 percent, and the oil and gas permit backlog has been eliminated entirely.
  • 88 farms and organizations in 45 counties received grants supporting 40 areas of innovation across 31 commodities through the Agricultural Innovation Grant Program.
  • More than 448 farms and nearly 37,200 acres of farmland have been preserved with over $134 million in state investment.
  • Pennsylvania's agriculture sector contributes $132 billion annually and supports over 600,000 jobs.

Sources:

  • Pennsylvania Governor's Office (2025): "In Blair County, Governor Shapiro and Agriculture Secretary Redding Visit Kulp Dairy Farm to Highlight Administration's Work to Speed Up Permitting, Support Farmers, and Strengthen Rural Communities".
  • Pennsylvania Governor's Office (2025): "Shapiro Administration Delivers for Pennsylvania Agriculture and Cuts Red Tape".
  • Pennsylvania Governor's Office (2025): "Governor Shapiro's 2025-26 Budget Proposal: Investing in Pennsylvania's Future".