April 08, 2025 - Harrisburg, PA
Governor Josh Shapiro delivered the keynote address at the annual Pennsylvania Farm Bureau (PFB) State Legislative Conference, speaking to agricultural industry leaders from all across the Commonwealth about his Administration's strong record of supporting Pennsylvania's farmers. During his remarks, the Governor reaffirmed his commitment to investing in the Commonwealth's agricultural industry, and warned of the risks posed by new federal tariffs and cuts to U.S. Department of Agriculture programs that support farmers and food banks.Governor Shapiro emphasized that agriculture is at the center of his Administration's efforts to create economic opportunity across Pennsylvania. The Governor's Economic Development Strategy - the first statewide economic development plan in nearly two decades - puts agriculture at the forefront, recognizing that a thriving agricultural industry is essential to the Commonwealth's economic growth. The Shapiro Administration has consistently prioritized investments that strengthen and support the agriculture sector. "Over the last two years, I've spent a lot of time on farms across Pennsylvania, listening to our farmers and seeing firsthand the challenges they face and the incredible work they do to power our economy and put food on our tables. I kept those conversations top of mind as we developed the Commonwealth's first Economic Development Strategy in nearly 20 years - and I made sure agriculture is front and center in that plan," said Governor Shapiro. "My Administration has made real investments in the future of agriculture - from funding the PA Farm Bill, to launching the first-in-the-nation Agricultural Innovation Grant Program, to opening new Centers of Excellence, and expanding PA Preferred. We've delivered commonsense solutions to help farmers lower costs, preserve farmland, open new markets, address the real challenges they face, and strengthen the entire agricultural industry. Pennsylvania is leading the way in driving economic growth in our agriculture sector, and I will keep fighting for our farming families."Speaker list:Chris Hoffman, President, Pennsylvania Farm BureauAgriculture Secretary Russell ReddingGovernor Josh Shapiro
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