State Issues
State issues may include agricultural program funding, rural development, state regulatory proposals and wildlife issues.
Government Affairs Division
Budget
Dairy
Energy
Labor
Transportation
Wildlife
Budget
The 2025-26 budget offers a major boost to Pennsylvania’s agricultural sector, with increased funding for innovation, food security, animal health, and education-key investments that will drive growth and ensure a sustainable future for farming communities. Support from legislators is crucial to keep these initiatives on track for success.
Dairy
Pennsylvania Farm Bureau is advocating for a stronger, more competitive dairy industry through fair milk pricing, transparent premium reform, and resilient supply chains. We support legislation to modernize the Milk Marketing Law, allow milk hauling during emergencies, and expand processing opportunities through initiatives like the Keystone Opportunity Dairy Zone (KOZ). Together, these efforts strengthen Pennsylvania’s dairy farms, processors, and rural communities
Energy
Pennsylvania Farm Bureau supports responsible, balanced energy development that protects farmland and ensures affordable, reliable power for rural communities. We advocate for solar decommissioning standards to protect landowners, expanded access to on-farm digesters, and policies that incentivize renewable projects on brownfields and commercial sites rather than productive farmland. PFB also tracks emerging issues such as data center energy use and its potential impact on electricity costs and agricultural input prices across the Commonwealth.
Environment
Ensure conservation practices remain voluntary as farmers and ranchers already are working to improve air, water, and soil quality in addition to reducing regulations that impacts farmers’ ability to put food on tables.
Wildlife
Pennsylvania Farm Bureau supports science-based wildlife management that protects farmers and farmland. We work with legislators and the Pennsylvania Game Commission to improve programs like DMAP and Ag Tags, giving landowners more flexibility to manage deer and reduce crop damage. PFB advocates for enhanced harvest reporting, processing centers, and cold storage to maximize use of harvested deer, including donations to local food banks. We also support public reporting tools and programs to track and manage wildlife that impacts agriculture, ensuring efficient, data-driven programs that benefit farmers, hunters, and rural communities.
Labor
Pennsylvania Farm Bureau supports fair, practical labor policies that sustain farm businesses while protecting workers. We oppose one-size-fits-all mandates, such as blanket minimum wage, overtime, or unionization proposals, that overlook the seasonal and economic realities of agriculture. PFB also works closely with Pennsylvania’s agricultural universities and institutions, including Penn State University and Penn Vet, to strengthen workforce development and support the next generation of farmers and agricultural professionals. In addition, we advocate for programs like the Beginning Farmer Tax Credit, which helps new and transitioning farmers access land and capital, ensuring a strong and sustainable agricultural workforce for the future.
Transportation
Pennsylvania Farm Bureau supports policies that keep agricultural supply chains moving safely and efficiently. We advocate for continuous, reliable milk hauling to prevent disruptions to the dairy industry and broader food supply. PFB also encourages infrastructure improvements and clear, practical regulations for drivers and road safety, ensuring both farm operations and rural communities can thrive while maintaining regulatory integrity.