HERSHEY – The Pennsylvania Farm Bureau (PFB) held its 74th Annual Meeting this week, where members gathered to discuss the future of agriculture in the state, tackle key challenges, and celebrate the progress made by farmers across Pennsylvania. Chris Hoffman, a Juniata County pig and chicken farmer and President of the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, addressed attendees with a clear message of urgency and opportunity for Pennsylvania’s agricultural sector.
“As we gather here today, it’s clear that the future of farming in Pennsylvania is bright—but we must be proactive in addressing the challenges that lie ahead,” said Hoffman in his opening remarks. “The decline in young farmers is a growing concern, and we must continue to invest in education and mentorship to ensure the next generation is prepared to step up to the plate. Agriculture is vital to our way of life, and we must take every step to preserve it.”
A key topic of discussion during the meeting was the pending reauthorization of the U.S. Farm Bill, which Hoffman called “critical” for the future of all farmers. Hoffman emphasized that Congress must act quickly to modernize and reauthorize the bill, which expired earlier this year. The Farm Bill is essential for providing disaster relief, risk management, and support for family farms. He warned that further delays could have dire consequences for the agricultural industry, including cuts to key programs and increased uncertainty in food security.
“The expiration of the Farm Bill is unacceptable,” Hoffman stated. “Farmers are already facing serious challenges—natural disasters, rising costs, and economic uncertainty. We cannot afford to wait any longer for Congress to act. The 2018 Farm Bill has lost much of its value due to inflation, and we need a new, robust bill to ensure our farmers can continue to feed America.”
Hoffman also discussed the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau’s successful advocacy for key state programs that benefit farmers. This includes a $35.75 million appropriation for the Agricultural Conservation Assistance Program (ACAP) from the state’s Clean Streams Fund, as well as support for poultry farmers impacted by the avian influenza outbreak. Additionally, Hoffman applauded the new state budget, which includes a $10 million investment in agricultural innovation and funding for key environmental programs.
“There is real momentum in Pennsylvania when it comes to supporting agriculture,” Hoffman remarked. “The state budget is a strong step forward, with vital investments in innovation, conservation, and disease management. These funds will help our farmers meet the challenges of today and plan for a prosperous future.”
In addition to these successes, Hoffman highlighted ongoing efforts such as Senate Bill 67, which aims to expand Sunday hunting opportunities to address issues like deer overpopulation and crop damage. This bill has received strong bipartisan support and lays the foundation for future wildlife management initiatives.
As the meeting drew to a close, Hoffman expressed confidence in the continued growth of Pennsylvania’s agricultural sector and the potential for new opportunities in the industry.
“Pennsylvania is uniquely positioned to be a leader in agriculture,” Hoffman concluded. “We have fertile land, a favorable climate, and easy access to major markets. We must continue to build on these strengths to attract new agricultural ventures and ensure our farms remain strong for generations to come.”
The Pennsylvania Farm Bureau remains committed to advancing policies that support farmers and rural communities, with an eye on both current challenges and long-term opportunities. Through continued collaboration and advocacy, the organization aims to foster a thriving agricultural economy in Pennsylvania.