By Blake Jackson
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and Community and Economic Development Secretary Rick Siger have introduced the state’s first 10-year Strategic Plan for Agriculture.
Announced during a visit to Milky Way Farm in Chester County, the initiative aims to improve farm profitability, support agricultural businesses, and strengthen the industry’s competitiveness.
Agriculture is a major contributor to Pennsylvania’s economy, with more than 48,800 farms supporting approximately 600,000 jobs and generating over $153.2 billion in annual economic output.
The new plan identifies priorities for improving access to capital, increasing efficiency and profitability, encouraging modernization and innovation, and strengthening public engagement.
“When I took office, I made a commitment to put agriculture at the center of my Administration’s work to grow our economy and create opportunity, and we’ve done that,” said Governor Shapiro.
“We’re investing in our farmers and our ag industry, addressing the unique challenges our farmers face, and growing and expanding this sector faster than ever before — but I know that farmers continue to face real challenges like federal trade policies, high costs, and a lack of reliable, high-speed internet. This plan provides a 10-year roadmap to build a stronger agricultural industry that will have the resources to thrive with a government that has their backs every step of the way — because our future runs right through Pennsylvania’s farmlands,” Shapiro added.
The plan follows Pennsylvania’s 10-Year Economic Development Strategy, released in 2023, which identified agriculture and food production as important drivers of economic growth. Since January 2023, the Shapiro Administration has invested more than $268 million in agriculture.
“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 announcement took place at Chester Springs Creamery, located on the fourth-generation Milky Way Farm. The family-operated dairy has 40 milking cows, ships approximately 45,000 gallons of milk monthly and uses robotic milkers to improve efficiency.
Its agritourism business also generates revenue. The farm received a $15,000 Farm Vitality Grant to help cover legal and restructuring expenses associated with transferring ownership to the next generation.
The strategic plan establishes five priorities: developing agricultural career opportunities, modernizing the industry, expanding market access, protecting farmland, and improving access to government resources.
Through these initiatives, the administration aims to improve resilience, encourage innovation, expand markets, and help future generations of farmers succeed.
Photo Credit:gettyimages-aslan-alphan
Categories: Pennsylvania, Business, General, Government & Policy, Rural Lifestyle