Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding today convened the first meeting of the new Pennsylvania Dairy Development Committee. The creation of the work group comes on the heels of the single largest investment in agriculture in Pennsylvania history — $1.2 billion to establish Chobani’s first dairy operation in the Commonwealth, creating 900 jobs and increasing future demand for Pennsylvania milk by 30 percent.
The work group will serve in an advisory role, bringing expertise from a broad spectrum of sectors including the dairy supply chain, government, finance, and academia to recommend new strategies for increasing milk production and continuing to grow Pennsylvania’s $11.8 billion dairy industry as it scales up to meet demand.
“Pennsylvania is extremely proud of the historic $1.2 billion investment the Shapiro Administration fought to bring to Pennsylvania, demonstrating faith that our dairy industry is ready to grow and continue leading the nation,” Secretary Redding said.
“But we have work to do. Increasing demand for Pennsylvania milk by 30% will do more to increase prices paid to farmers for milk than any of the pricing reforms the industry has been seeking for over a decade,” Sec. Redding continued. “Looking at what our industry needs now, and down the road, then investing to support those needs and spur private investment is the right recipe for growth. This committee brings the right people and expertise to the conversation to help our industry grow, compete, and continue leading the nation.”
Source : pa.gov