Santa’s Reindeer Cleared for Special Deliveries Across Pennsylvania on Christmas Eve Governor Josh Shapiro, Secretary Redding, and Pennsylvania State Veterinarian Dr. Alex Hamberg joined Santa Claus and his team of reindeer at HersheyPark, to announce that the reindeer received a clean bill of health and is cleared for special deliveries across Pennsylvania on December 24th.RecapSee More
Shapiro Administration Invests $46.3 Million During 2023 to Protect 166 Farms Forever from Development; December $8.7 Million Investment Preserves 30 Farms in 21 Counties The Shapiro Administration announced that Pennsylvania preserved 2,553 acres on 30 farms in 21 counties, forever protecting them from residential or commercial development. This investment of more than $8.7 million brings the total during 2023 to nearly $46.3 million invested to purchase land development rights for 13,663 acres on 166 farms, helping ensure that Pennsylvania farmers will have prime farmland to feed our families and economy in the future.Read More
Agriculture Secretary Reminds Dog Owners To License Their Pets By January — ‘Love Your Dog. License Your Dog.’ Secretary Redding reminded Pennsylvania dog owners to purchase a 2024 license from their county treasurer by January 1, 2024. Licenses are not just a legal responsibility of owning a dog, they protect all Pennsylvania dogs and are the best way to bring your pet home quickly if it’s lost.Read More
Governor Shapiro Gets Stuff Done: Supporting Pennsylvania Farmers and Agriculture, Expanding Broadband Access, & Investing in Rural CommunitiesThe Shapiro Administration took concrete steps to support Pennsylvania farmers and the agriculture industry, which supports one in 10 jobs and contributes $132 billion a year to Pennsylvania’s economy. After receiving over $1 billion in federal funding to expand broadband infrastructure across Pennsylvania, the Shapiro Administration now has critical resources to connect Pennsylvania communities. During his first year in office, Governor Josh Shapiro and his Administration took concrete steps to support Pennsylvania farmers and the agricultural industry. Governor Shapiro knows that farmers are a key driver in Pennsylvania’s economy, which is why he called for and delivered increased budget investments in Pennsylvania agriculture to continue supporting our farmers and agricultural workers and open up new markets for farmers. In the 2023-24 budget, Governor Shapiro secured $31 million for the Hi-Path Avian Influenza Recovery Fund, $13.8 million to fully fund the Pennsylvania Farm Bill for the fifth year, and $1 million to create a new, first-of-its kind Organic Center for Excellence. Additionally, thanks to federal funding, the Shapiro Administration and the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority are working together on a plan to expand broadband in unserved and underserved areas to make sure every Pennsylvanian has access to affordable, high-speed internet.Read More
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture! As we gather around tables with loved ones, take time to remember the farmers that never take a day off – who work the land, who care for the animals, and whose efforts keep our communities fed and healthy.
Governor Shapiro hosted Secretary Russell Redding, Senator Elder Vogel Jr., and the Dog Law Advisory Board members for a ceremonial bill signing of Senate Bill 746, the Dog Law Modernization Act. This bill serves as a testament to Pennsylvania’s commitment to improve public safety in communities statewide; improve conditions for dogs in breeding kennels, day cares, and shelters; protect those who buy or adopt dogs in Pennsylvania; and help prevent the spread of infectious disease among dogs.See More
The future of agriculture was on display at the Pennsylvania Youth Livestock Expo (PAYLE) hosted at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center. PAYLE is the culmination of the best of the best. It showcases the competitiveness that drives the agriculture industry forward, while bringing together families and exhibitors from across the Commonwealth.See More
Supporting PA farmers and shopping local has never been easier! Check for the check and choose PA Preferred!Buy Local
You’re Invited to the 2024 PA Preferred Reception! Secretary Redding invites Pennsylvanians to taste the finest Pennsylvania-produced food and drinks, while connecting with the producers and processors at the 108th PA Farm Show’s PA Preferred® Reception. The reception is the official kickoff for the 2024 Farm Show, the Pennsylvania State Fair™. The PA Preferred Reception will be held Friday, January 5, 2024, in the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex, starting at 5:30 pm. Tickets are $40 for the general public, and in honor of the 20th anniversary, $20 for PA Preferred members and are complimentary for PA Preferred Homegrown By Heroes members. The ticket price includes admission to the reception, parking, heavy hors d’oeuvres, beverages, and a short program featuring the people and products of Pennsylvania agriculture.Learn MoreRSVP
2024 Pennsylvania Farm Link Events Keep informed on PA Farm Link’s January – March 2024 events. Learn more about event details by visiting www.pafarmlink.org/events.
Connecting Communities & Opportunities: Building Equity in the Food System Join us on Sunday, January 7, 2024 at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center, PA Preferred Banquet Hall for an event that aims to foster connections and promote equity in the food system. At this in-person gathering, we will bring together individuals, organizations, and communities passionate about creating a fair and inclusive food system for all. Through engaging discussion, we will explore ways to bridge gaps, address disparities, and ensure everyone has access to healthy and sustainable food. The session will feature a dynamic panel from all walks of life across Pennsylvania to share their food stories. Join us to engage in meaningful conversation about the strengths they bring and the challenges they face as we envision the future of our food system. We will ask how we can advance economic and racial justice, and ensure access to nutritious, culturally significant foods and foodways for all. From chefs, farmers and food producers to policymakers and advocates, this event welcomes anyone interested in building a more equitable food system.Learn More
The Organic Agriculture Industry in Pennsylvania: Economic Impact, Market Dynamics, and Opportunities for Growth Please join the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture for a presentation and discussion on Organic Farming in Pennsylvania at the 108th Pennsylvania Farm Show. When: Friday, January 12, 1 – 2:30 pm Where: The Delaware Room at the Keystone Conference Center (KCC) in the PA Farm Show Complex, located at 2300 North Cameron Street in Harrisburg. KCC can be accessed by going through the MacClay Street entrance and up to the 2nd floor. Description: The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) partnered with E-Consult Solutions, Inc. for an analysis of the economic impact, organic processing needs, market dynamics and opportunities for growth in the organic agriculture industry in PA. The findings of this study will be presented during the January 12th program. While overall the organic industry is expanding across the United States, Pennsylvania has seen a surge in organic agriculture that far surpasses the national average. The January 12th program will include details on:The economic output, job creation, and employee compensation generated by the annual production operations of the organic industry within the Commonwealth.Demand and supply side factors that shape the landscape of organic agriculture in Pennsylvania.The supply chain and potential gaps within the Commonwealth’s organic industry, providing an in-depth exploration of subsectors of the market.Opportunities and potential threats that may impact the future of the organic industry.Recommendations on targeted actions the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania can take to ensure the continued growth and success of the organic agriculture industry. Space is limited. Please RSVP by January 5th, 2023 to: Kristen Markley, kmarkley@pa.gov.
Time is winding down! The 2024 Pennsylvania Farm Show is almost here!More Info2024 Visitor’s Guide
Shapiro Administration Invests $46.3 Million During 2023 to Protect 166 Farms Forever from Development; December $8.7 Million Investment Preserves 30 Farms in 21 Counties The Shapiro Administration announced that Pennsylvania preserved 2,553 acres on 30 farms in 21 counties, forever protecting them from residential or commercial development. This investment of more than $8.7 million brings the total during 2023 to nearly $46.3 million invested to purchase land development rights for 13,663 acres on 166 farms, helping ensure that Pennsylvania farmers will have prime farmland to feed our families and economy in the future.Read More
Governor Shapiro Gets Stuff Done: Supporting Pennsylvania Farmers and Agriculture, Expanding Broadband Access, & Investing in Rural Communities The Shapiro Administration took concrete steps to support Pennsylvania farmers and the agriculture industry, which supports one in 10 jobs and contributes $132 billion a year to Pennsylvania’s economy. After receiving over $1 billion in federal funding to expand broadband infrastructure across Pennsylvania, the Shapiro Administration now has critical resources to connect Pennsylvania communities. During his first year in office, Governor Josh Shapiro and his Administration took concrete steps to support Pennsylvania farmers and the agricultural industry. Governor Shapiro knows that farmers are a key driver in Pennsylvania’s economy, which is why he called for and delivered increased budget investments in Pennsylvania agriculture to continue supporting our farmers and agricultural workers and open up new markets for farmers. In the 2023-24 budget, Governor Shapiro secured $31 million for the Hi-Path Avian Influenza Recovery Fund, $13.8 million to fully fund the Pennsylvania Farm Bill for the fifth year, and $1 million to create a new, first-of-its kind Organic Center for Excellence. Additionally, thanks to federal funding, the Shapiro Administration and the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority are working together on a plan to expand broadband in unserved and underserved areas to make sure every Pennsylvanian has access to affordable, high-speed internet.Read More
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture! As we gather around tables with loved ones, take time to remember the farmers that never take a day off – who work the land, who care for the animals, and whose efforts keep our communities fed and healthy.
Governor Shapiro hosted Secretary Russell Redding, Senator Elder Vogel Jr., and the Dog Law Advisory Board members for a ceremonial bill signing of Senate Bill 746, the Dog Law Modernization Act. This bill serves as a testament to Pennsylvania’s commitment to improve public safety in communities statewide; improve conditions for dogs in breeding kennels, day cares, and shelters; protect those who buy or adopt dogs in Pennsylvania; and help prevent the spread of infectious disease among dogs.See More
The future of agriculture was on display at the Pennsylvania Youth Livestock Expo (PAYLE) hosted at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center. PAYLE is the culmination of the best of the best. It showcases the competitiveness that drives the agriculture industry forward, while bringing together families and exhibitors from across the Commonwealth.See More
Supporting PA farmers and shopping local has never been easier! Check for the check and choose PA Preferred!Buy Local
You’re Invited to the 2024 PA Preferred Reception! Secretary Redding invites Pennsylvanians to taste the finest Pennsylvania-produced food and drinks, while connecting with the producers and processors at the 108th PA Farm Show’s PA Preferred® Reception. The reception is the official kickoff for the 2024 Farm Show, the Pennsylvania State Fair™. The PA Preferred Reception will be held Friday, January 5, 2024, in the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex, starting at 5:30 pm. Tickets are $40 for the general public, and in honor of the 20th anniversary, $20 for PA Preferred members and are complimentary for PA Preferred Homegrown By Heroes members. The ticket price includes admission to the reception, parking, heavy hors d’oeuvres, beverages, and a short program featuring the people and products of Pennsylvania agriculture.Learn MoreRSVP
2024 Pennsylvania Farm Link Events Keep informed on PA Farm Link’s January – March 2024 events. Learn more about event details by visiting www.pafarmlink.org/events.