Wolf administration unveils plan for strengthening state agriculture

Gov. Tom Wolf recently outlined a six-point plan to strengthen the state’s agriculture industry at Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences’ annual Ag Progress Days event.

The plan is aimed at protecting the industry from a changing marketplace and new pressures.

“My vision for the future of agriculture takes advantage of what’s special about Pennsylvania’s farms and food processors to set us apart on a global stage,” Wolf said. “We see tremendous opportunities for Pennsylvania, including the opportunity to diversify our business and capitalize on marketing opportunities. And even though there is no shortage of challenges, I believe we are uniquely positioned to capitalize on our many existing strengths and chart a path toward a dynamic and prosperous farming economy in Pennsylvania.”

Pennsylvania’s agriculture and food industries generate $135.7 billion in economic activity annually, employ nearly 580,000 people, and pay wages of almost $27 billion, according to a report Wolf unveiled at the 2018 Farm Show in January.

Organic food sales in the United States grew $47 billion in 2017, an 8.4 percent increase, according to the Organic Trade Association.

Pennsylvania produced and sold $660 million in certified organic products in 2016, the second leading state. The state has 803 certified organic farms.