June 13, 2023 - Mifflintown, PA
Governor Josh Shapiro and Department of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding toured Reinford Farms in Juniata County to celebrate dairy month and highlight the Governor's budget proposals to support the farmers and small businesses who make Pennsylvania a national leader in agriculture. Reinford Farms is a multigenerational farm in Juniata County, covering 1,300 acres and currently housing 750 milking cows and 800 young cattle. Governor Shapiro's budget proposes critical investments in Pennsylvania's $132 billion agriculture industry, including $13.8 million to fully fund the Pennsylvania Farm Bill for the fifth year, a $1 million investment for the creation of a new Organic Center of Excellence, $500,000 for a new Center for Plant Excellence, and $2.5 million for the Farmland Preservation Program - ensuring resources will be available for counties to produce food and feed Pennsylvania's economy. "Our Commonwealth's dairy industry supports more than 53,000 jobs and contributes more than $14 billion to our economy - and Pennsylvania dairy farmers are putting food on our tables while continuing a long tradition of agricultural excellence and innovation," said Governor Josh Shapiro. "Reinford Farms is a prime example of how Pennsylvania farmers are using innovative technology to take their work to the next level. My Administration is committed to partnering with our dairy farmers to position Pennsylvania as a leader in dairy production and sustainable farming and my budget is putting real dollars into this work - starting with $13.8 million to ensure the Pennsylvania Farm Bill is fully funded into its fifth year." List of Speakers:Brett Reinford, partner at Reinford Farms and chair of the Pennsylvania Dairy Future CommissionJayne Sebright, Executive Director of the Center for Dairy ExcellenceSecretary of Agriculture Russell ReddingGovernor Shapiro
An Official Pennsylvania Government Website