Pennsylvania Farm Bureau (PFB) brought together Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding, Pennsylvania State Representative Barb Gleim, and Environmental Protection Agency Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz on Tuesday to discuss agriculture achievements at the 108th PA Farm Show.
The event centered around PFB’s mission to continue efforts to educate consumers about agriculture, Farm Bureau’s commitment to working with state and federal legislators, and the 2024 Farm Bill, among other topics.
Chris Hoffman, President of the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, discussed his goals for the organization moving forward, as well as priority issues PFB is working on.
“One of our primary goals at Pennsylvania Farm Bureau is to educate the public about agriculture. Our other goal is to work with legislators and industry partners to secure agriculture’s future. We recognize the importance of our farmers, ranchers, and foresters’ and how they continue to help Pennsylvania prosper.” Hoffman said, as PFB looks to bring more awareness to what farmers go through daily and what it takes to put meals on tables.
State Representative Barb Gleim joined the press conference to share her background and stance on how important agriculture is.
“Pennsylvania is blessed to have a large, diverse agricultural industry. As a farmer myself, I have first-hand experience of the challenges many of those in the agriculture industry face. If we are to continue to deliver quality products and grow the industry, we need to enhance collaboration of stakeholders at all levels – from farmers, to manufacturers, to state agency officials and even the public,” said Gleim. “Better collaboration will result in better products.”
Adam Ortiz, EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator also spoke at the event. Ortiz discussed how famers are at the fore front of environmentalism.
“There’s no place like the Pennsylvania Farm Show – it’s an opportunity to honor our farmers as front-line environmentalists and to listen to our partners on the issues closest to home,” said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz. “When we work together, we can have a thriving agriculture economy and clean environment.”
Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Secretary, Russell Redding, concluded the press conference by discussing the importance of connecting the consumer and agricultural community.
“It takes time to make our point, right, to advocate for Pennsylvania agriculture, that’s what this week is about” Redding said. “It is about promoting our industry of agriculture.”
All who attended the press conference spoke on the importance of working together to advance agriculture at the state and federal level. Farm Bureau sees a bright future for agriculture thanks to our partners, legislators, consumers and of course the farmer.