Rep. Keller highlights Pennsylvania hardwoods industry in meeting with USDA

Rep. Fred Keller (R-PA), as part of a bipartisan group of House lawmakers, met Wednesday with U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue at the Secretary’s office in Washington, D.C., where he emphasized the importance of Pennsylvania’s hardwoods industry.

Pennsylvania leads the nation in hardwood growing stock, hardwood lumber production, and the export of hardwood lumber and wood products, Keller noted in a press release.

“I thank Sec. Sonny Perdue for a productive and thoughtful discussion,” Keller said. “Since USDA does so much for rural development and helping the agriculture industry in Pennsylvania’s 12th Congressional District, today was a great opportunity for dialogue about how we may work together for the people we all represent.”

Keller noted that he worked in the hardwoods industry for 25 years before being elected to office.

“When travelling around the district, I often meet with hardwood producers and hear about their industrial struggles.

“Hardwood production is rural development, and I was proud to point that out and advocate for this important industry in today’s meeting,” Keller said.