By Blake Jackson
The Pennsylvania Farm Bureau (PFB) has expressed satisfaction with the 2024-25 state budget, highlighting key allocations that align with their priorities.
The budget includes funding for a new animal health diagnostic lab in Western Pennsylvania, a $50 million contribution to the Clean Streams Fund, and $31 million to support farmers affected by Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).
The proposed animal diagnostic lab aims to enhance disease testing and expedite results, improving the state’s ability to manage outbreaks such as avian influenza.
Currently, Pennsylvania's diagnostic labs are located at Penn State, the University of Pennsylvania in Chester County, and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture in Harrisburg. The location for the new lab has yet to be decided.
PFB also welcomed the ongoing support for the Agriculture Conservation Assistance Program (ACAP), initially funded with $220 million in the 2022-23 budget. The continued investment in ACAP underscores the state's commitment to conservation efforts.
The budget allocates over $33 million to Penn’s School of Veterinary Medicine and Penn Medicine’s Division of Infectious Disease, reversing last year’s funding freeze.
This support is vital for Penn Vet, the only state-funded veterinary school in Pennsylvania. Penn State’s agricultural research and Extension programs will receive flat funding of nearly $58 million.
Governor Josh Shapiro’s budget also includes $10 million for agricultural innovation, aiding new technologies in energy and conservation.
Other budget provisions fund the 2024-25 PA Farm Bill, Fresh Food Financing, PASS, and food access initiatives.
The Department of Agriculture’s budget sees a nearly 10 percent increase to $228 million, with additional funds for general operations, centers of excellence, and farmers market coupons.
Additionally, Senate Bill 95, which expands the use of farm vehicle plates, has been incorporated into Senate Bill 916.
This bill, now signed into law, also addresses vehicle registration issues and establishes the Pennsylvania Sportsman plate and Youth Hunting and Fishing Restricted Account, supporting state wildlife agencies through a new $40 registration fee.
Senate Bill 654 amends the Tax Reform Code to allow deductions for natural resource depletion and reauthorizes the Rural Jobs Investment Tax Credit.
Senate Bill 656 introduces annual fees for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, effective in 2025, and eliminates the Alternative Fuel Tax on residential EV charging.
Governor Shapiro has signed SB656 into law, setting a new regulatory framework for electric vehicles.
Photo Credit: pa-farm-bureau
Categories: Pennsylvania, Government & Policy