Governor Shapiro's Commitment to Pennsylvania's Agricultural Industry

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro recently joined key stakeholders in highlighting the state's ongoing support for farmers, growers, and producers, emphasizing the importance of agriculture in the Commonwealth's economy. The sector contributes $132 billion annually, supporting nearly 600,000 jobs. The Governor's administration has made significant investments in the agricultural industry, including the creation of the Agricultural Innovation Grant Program and the preservation of over 415 farms and 35,000 acres of farmland.

Key Takeaways:

• Governor Shapiro's administration has delivered historic investments in Pennsylvania agriculture, including the funding of the PA Farm Bill and the launch of the Agricultural Innovation Grant Program.
• The Governor has visited farms across the Commonwealth, listening to farmers' challenges and experiences, and has developed commonsense solutions to support the agricultural industry.
• The Agricultural Innovation Grant Program has provided grants to 88 farms and organizations in 45 counties, supporting technologies that improve efficiency and generate energy while reducing nutrient waste.
• Pennsylvania's agriculture sector is a significant driver of the economy, contributing $132 billion annually and supporting nearly 600,000 jobs.
• The Governor's proposed 2025-26 budget includes additional investments in agriculture, including $13 million more for the Agricultural Innovation Grant Program, $4 million expansion of the Pennsylvania Agricultural Surplus System, and $2 million to fully operate the new state animal diagnostic lab.
• The Shapiro Administration has taken swift action to defend Pennsylvania farmers from the unlawful termination of the $13 million Local Food Purchasing Assistance (LFPA) Program, which supports 189 Pennsylvania farms and 14 local food banks.
• Pennsylvania is home to more than 50,000 farms, all of which play a critical role in feeding families, supporting rural communities, and sustaining the Commonwealth's rich agricultural heritage.

Statistics:

• The agriculture sector contributes $132 billion annually to the Commonwealth's economy.
• Pennsylvania agriculture supports 600,000 jobs.
• The Governor's first two budgets delivered over $13.8 million annually for the PA Farm Bill.
• The Agricultural Innovation Grant Program provided grants to 88 farms and organizations in 45 counties.
• The Shapiro Administration has set aside over $65 million to mitigate Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, supporting poultry farmers and disease monitoring.
• The Governor's proposed 2025-26 budget includes $13 million more for the Agricultural Innovation Grant Program, $4 million expansion of the Pennsylvania Agricultural Surplus System, and $2 million to fully operate the new state animal diagnostic lab.

Sources:

• Department of Commonwealth Pennsylvania news release.