A roundtable discussion recently held a dairy farm in Myerstown covered the challenges and opportunities facing agriculture in the region.
Topics discussed include continued investment in crop insurance and livestock risk protection programs, dairy pricing reform and long-term farm sustainability, protecting and expanding agricultural export markets, preserving and supporting small farms, improving the H-2A agricultural work force system, supporting nutrition programs and partnerships with local food banks, and advocating for the return of whole milk in schools.
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser (R-PA) hosted the event. Participants included lawmakers, members of the Amish community, farmers and representatives from agricultural organizations.
“This event was about listening and taking action,” Meuser said. “We’re working closely with Secretary Rollins and our congressional partners to advance President (Donald) Trump’s agenda to benefit farmers and rural America — whether that means restoring market access, reducing unnecessary regulations, preventing increased taxes, strengthening risk management tools, or supporting nutrition and food security programs. Agriculture plays a central role in Pennsylvania’s economy and way of life, and these conversations ensure we’re delivering real results for the people who feed our nation.”
Rollins discussed expanding export opportunities, emphasized that food security is national security, and highlighted U.S. Department of Agriculture efforts.