Shapiro Administration's Efforts to Modernize and Accelerate Permitting for Farmers

Strategic Insights -

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding recently visited Kulp Dairy Farm in Blair County to highlight the state's efforts to simplify the permitting process for farmers. The Shapiro Administration has made streamlining government and reducing red tape a top priority, helping farmers like the Kulps expand their operations with confidence and supporting jobs, boosting food production, and driving rural economic growth.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Shapiro Administration has cut the time it takes for farmers to receive permits, with the Kulp Dairy Farm receiving its permit four months ahead of schedule.
  • Agriculture contributes $132 billion annually to Pennsylvania's economy and supports over 600,000 jobs.
  • The state has invested in new technologies, strengthened supply chains, and expanded opportunities for farmers, growers, and producers.
  • Governor Shapiro's leadership has made historic investments in agriculture while cutting red tape and modernizing government to help farms and agricultural businesses grow.
  • The state has reduced overall permit, license, and certification times by 70 percent compared to 2022 and eliminated the oil and gas permit backlog entirely.
  • The Streamlining Permits for Economic Expansion and Development (SPEED) program has been launched to provide farmers more flexibility and predictability in the permitting process.
  • The Governor's 2025-26 proposed budget includes additional investments in agriculture, including $13 million more for the Agricultural Innovation Grant Program and $4 million expansion of the Pennsylvania Agricultural Surplus System.
  • The state has supported more than 200 businesses through the Governor's Office of Transformation and Opportunity (OTO), resolving 60 permitting challenges and engaging with more than 35 companies considering expansion or relocation to Pennsylvania.

Statistics:

  • $132 billion: the annual contribution of agriculture to Pennsylvania's economy.
  • 600,000: the number of jobs supported by agriculture in Pennsylvania.
  • 448 farms: the number of preserved farms with over $134 million in state investment.
  • $65 million: the amount set aside to mitigate Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza and support poultry farmers.
  • 70 percent: the reduction in overall permit, license, and certification times compared to 2022.
  • 98 percent: the reduction in DEP's permit backlog.
  • 35 million: the amount invested to continue Clean Streams Fund support for the Agriculture Conservation Assistance Program (ACAP).
  • 2025-26: the timeframe for Governor Shapiro's proposed budget with additional investments in agriculture.

Sources:

  • Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, "Governor Shapiro, Secretary Redding Highlight Efforts to Streamline Permitting for Farmers"
  • Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, "Governor Shapiro's Leadership in Agriculture"