Senate advances “Farming First” bill package

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The state Senate approved five bills included in the “Farming First” legislative package.

The bill package includes Senate Bill 478 that would provide a personal income tax credit for landowners who lease or sell their land, buildings, and equipment to beginning farmers and Senate Bill 585 that would create the Pennsylvania Dairy Future Commission. Senate Bill 588 would exempt milk haulers from travel bans imposed during a declaration of disaster emergency. Senate Bill 583 would establish uniform standards for agritourism on farms protected by the state farmland preservation program while Senate Bill 453 would allow farmers to apply for an annual exemption for specific requirements in the Uniform Construction Code for buildings that host weddings, receptions, and similar events.

“Farmers in my local communities have shared serious concerns about onerous government regulations having a negative impact on their businesses,” Sen. Judy Ward (R- Blair County) said. “The goal is to strike a responsible balance between public safety and the needs of our farmers. These two bills will help balance the scales so farmers can run a successful business.”

Ward sponsored Senate Bill 453 and co-sponsored Senate Bill 588.

The first five bills in the “Farming First” initiative now move to the House for further consideration. Additional measures in the package are expected to receive a vote in the Senate this week.