PA Dept. of Agriculture Weekly Roundup
   PA Poultry Owners:The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture reminds Pennsylvanians to stay vigilant and review biosecurity practices. Be aware of the signs and symptoms of HPAI in your flock:Sudden deathLack of energy and appetiteDecreased egg production or soft-shelled, misshapen eggsNasal discharge, coughing, sneezingIncoordinationDiarrheaLearn More   SNAP Emergency Allotments (EAs) are an additional SNAP payment that has been paid during the second half of each month since the pandemic started in 2020. These payments were authorized under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Due to a recent change in federal law, SNAP households will no longer receive SNAP EA payments in the second half of the month. Starting in March 2023, SNAP households will only receive their regular SNAP payment.Learn More   State leaders in agriculture from across the nation joined federal agencies, congressional leaders, and industry stakeholders to talk about pressing agricultural and food policy issues at the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) Winter Policy Conference.See More Secretary Redding had the opportunity to spend time at the Pasa Sustainable Agriculture’s 32nd Annual Sustainable Agriculture conference. The Pasa Sustainable Agriculture board and staff are driven by their mission: cultivating environmentally sound, economically viable, community-focused farms and food systems.See More  During the first Agriculture Education Commission meeting of the year, Executive Director of PA Commission for Agriculture Education Excellence, Stephon Fitzpatrick, and Secretary Redding welcomed new Secretary of Education, Dr. Khalid N. Mumin, and Director of Trade and Guardian of Ports in Ghana, Prince Michael, and committee members.  Department of Ecosystem Science and Management (ESM) Career Fair Penn State’s Department of Ecosystem Science and Management (ESM) Career Fair will be held 10:00 – 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 23, 2023. The Hardwoods Development Council and Hardwood Utilization Group will be in attendance. Learn MoreSubmit Job Posting Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) Mini-grants available The Pennsylvania Association of Conversation Districts is now accepting mini-grant application for up to $3,000 to implement educational and outreach activities that support and extend Conversation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) work. Deadline: Apply by February 24, 2023Learn More USDA Expands Hurricane Insurance to Include Certain Tropical Storms Farmers may now be eligible for further protection against damaging tropical storms. After hearing directly from agricultural producers, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is expanding its Hurricane Insurance Protection-Wind Index (HIP-WI) Endorsement with a Tropical Storm Option. USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) will offer this option for the 2023 crop year.Learn MoreWIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition looking for eligible farmers to join programThe WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) is looking for eligible farmers to join the program. To be eligible:Must grow fresh fruits, vegetables, fresh cut herbs in Pennsylvania.Grow produce with a retail value of at least $1,000. No citrus fruits, honey, or processed foods. Please contact Tierney Belanger at (717) 783-5309 or tiebelange@pa.gov to learn more and to apply.  2023 Pennsylvania Leopold Conservation Award Seeking NomineesAre you a Pennsylvania farmer or forestland owner improving soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat on your working land? You can now apply or nominate for the 2023 Pennsylvania Leopold Conservation Award®. Deadline: Submit application by August 1, 2023Apply Now |