The Pennsylvania Farm Bureau (PFB) recently announced its support of the state budget’s funding of agriculture programs.
“We are pleased that adequate funding to support programs and people, who work on behalf of Pennsylvania farmers and the state’s agriculture industry, is in place for the new fiscal year,” PFB President Rick Ebert said. “Research and technical assistance provided by Penn State and Penn VET help farmers work more efficiently, identify issues such as pest and plant disease and take action to further improve the environment, while Pennsylvania consumers benefit with advances and monitoring of food safety protocols.”
The budget includes funding for a $3 million appropriation to be used in conjunction with a $17 million from the federal government to identify and eradicate the spotted lanternfly. It will also provide $1.5 million in funding for agriculture research and Cooperative Extension programs administered by Penn State University.
Additionally, the state budget increased funding by $900,000 for the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine and increased funding by $1 million for the General Government Operations for the Department of Agriculture. It also supports a $500,000 increase in funding for agriculture research conducted by the Department of Agriculture and restores funding for other programs.
An additional $5 million for dairy farmers and dairy processors will also be provided through the First Industries Fund, which is administered by the Department of Community and Economic Development.