By Blake Jackson
U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) has secured $40 million in funding to enhance conservation initiatives across Pennsylvania farms.
This investment will be allocated to two primary projects within the state: $21.2 million directed towards the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and Land O’ Lakes farmer cooperative, aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving water quality on over 50 farms, and $19.6 million for the National Hemp Association to implement conservation practices that will help prevent water quality degradation in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.
These funds originate from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), made possible through Senator Casey’s support for the Farm Bill and the Inflation Reduction Act.
“Pennsylvania’s constitution guarantees our people clean air, pure water, and the preservation of our state’s natural beauty, and our farmers play a critical role in upholding this constitutional right,” said Senator Casey. “I fought for this funding to provide farmers the resources they need to implement conservation practices while simultaneously improving their bottom line. I will always fight to protect Pennsylvania’s environment and uplift our farming communities.”
Senator Casey has consistently advocated for Pennsylvania farmers, emphasizing their essential role in feeding the state. In 2018, he successfully pushed for enhancements in the Farm Bill to increase funding for the RCPP, bolster dairy margin coverage, safeguard crop insurance, and improve access to conservation programs.
Additionally, he initiated the Farm to Food Bank program, enabling farmers to recover costs associated with food waste by reimbursing them for producing, harvesting, processing, and transporting agricultural products donated to food banks.
Earlier this year, Casey introduced the Farm to Food Bank Reauthorization Act, aimed at continuing the support established in the 2018 Farm Bill for farmers who contribute to local food banks.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-karen-massier
Categories: Pennsylvania, Government & Policy