Legislation recently introduced in the state House of Representatives would source short-term funding for farmers in agricultural emergencies.
House Bill 2521 would permit the Agricultural Business Development Center to deploy short-term funding for a wider variety of agricultural emergencies including severe and unforeseen market interruptions. Farmers and growers would use funding to establish new markets while the current one changes.
The bill is in response to global grape juice manufacturer Refresco terminating its contracts with grape growers in the Lake Erie region in March with no prior notice. The affected farmers have no market to sell acres worth of their grapes.
“A severe market interruption like this is no different than a farm facing an invasive pest, contagious disease or a natural disaster,” Rep. Jake Banta (R-Erie County), who introduced the bill, said. “Market interruptions, especially in rural areas like ours, go beyond the buyer and seller. It impacts our regional economy. Agriculture is the pride of Pennsylvania, and these situations harm our statewide industry. My goal with this legislation is to support all farms currently in markets and give future generations of growers the confidence to explore commercial selling.”
The Agricultural Business Development Center is a Department of Agriculture initiative launched to enhance the longevity and success of Pennsylvania farms.