The Shapiro administration recently recognize three frontline agriculture workers as Pennsylvania Farmworkers of the Year during a ceremony at Hollabaugh Brothers in Biglerville.
The award, in its inaugural year, recognizes outstanding frontline farm and food-processing employees. Frontline field and livestock workers, food-processing workers, meatpackers, and seasonal workers are among those who are eligible.
Nominees were selected for initiative and determination, and a positive impact on their employers’ daily operations and their coworkers.
Awardees were Jose Mateos of Hollabaugh Brothers, Stephen Kulp of Clemens Food Group in Hatfield, and Charles Bishop of Pennsylvania Packinghouse in Washington County.
“Skilled, diligent team-players like Jose, Stephen, and Charles feed our families, inspire their coworkers and are the foundation of their employers’ success,” Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding said at the event. “The Shapiro Administration applauds the contributions agriculture workers make to our communities and our economy and to every one of our daily lives. Gov. Josh Shapiro has made the agriculture industry a top priority since day one, recognizing agriculture as central to Pennsylvania’s future economic vitality.”
Secretary of Labor & Industry Nancy A. Walker and PA State Council of Farm Organizations President Kimberly Paley also attended the event.
In Pennsylvania, the agriculture industry employs more than 593,000.