Governor Josh Shapiro, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) Secretary Russell Redding, and Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger visited Milky Way Farm in Chester County to unveil Pennsylvania’s first-ever, 10-year Strategic Plan for Agriculture(opens in a new tab). Through this plan, the Shapiro Administration is working to support farmers and ag producers and ensure one of the Commonwealth’s largest industries remains profitable and globally competitive.
With more than 48,800 farms supporting 600,000 jobs and driving more than $153.2 billion in annual economic output, agriculture is one of Pennsylvania's largest industries. Understanding that impact, this plan outlines the necessary steps to address and improve four critical industry needs including access to capital; efficiency and profitability; modernization and innovation; and public engagement.
After the Governor launched his 10-Year Economic Development Strategy(opens in a new tab) — which recognizes Pennsylvania’s agriculture and food industry as a major driver of economic growth — Secretary Redding began working with the Office of Transformation and Opportunity to develop this strategic plan, ensuring the next generation of Pennsylvania farmers can continue to succeed.
“Feeding all Pennsylvanians and fueling our economy is the driving force behind Pennsylvania’s new plan, and the more than $268 million the Shapiro Administration has invested in agriculture since January 2023,” said Agriculture Secretary Redding. “The Shapiro Administration has recognized since the beginning that when agriculture thrives, we all thrive. That focus is driving us toward a Pennsylvania where innovation, resilience, and opportunity feed lasting prosperity. This 10-year plan is the roadmap.”
“Pennsylvania now has a blueprint for action that will serve the agriculture sector for the next decade — and it is absolutely critical because our entire state economy is supported by the strength of our agriculture,” said DCED Secretary Rick Siger. “Today’s release of the strategic plan is the start of a process to reinvigorate, revitalize, and futurize the entire agriculture ecosystem. We know this model works — we used this same approach in the 10-Year Economic Development Strategy we released in 2023. I’m excited to roll up our sleeves and make its vision a reality alongside Secretary Redding and his terrific team.”
Source : pa.gov