GOVERNOR RENDELL CELEBRATES AGRICULTURAL ACHIEVEMENTS DURING AG PROGRESS DAYS
Says Agriculture is Fueling Pennsylvania through Food and Alternative Energy Production
ROCK SPRINGS, Centre County Governor Edward G. Rendell today told agricultural leaders that the state's agricultural industry is fueling the future of Pennsylvania, working to meet the food and energy needs of the commonwealth.
The Governor addressed nearly 900 participants at the Ag Progress Days luncheon as a part of the annual three-day Ag Progress Days event, the state's largest outdoor agricultural exposition.
"Agriculture is our state's number one industry," Governor Rendell said. "It has been a major part of Pennsylvania's rich history, and it will continue to be a driving force in our future. Pennsylvania is a leader in food and alternative energy production, and I am committed to providing the resources needed to keep agriculture growing.
"Pennsylvania leads the nation in farmland preservation, but with new initiatives like the Center for Farm Transitions and the highly successful Center for Dairy Excellence, we can ensure that our farmers keep farming and continue to preserve the state's entire agricultural industry."
The Governor outlined the advancements made in agriculture since he took office while speaking to the crowd. Among them, he mentioned:
* ACRE - Passage of Agriculture, Communities and the Rural Environment (ACRE), Act 38, a comprehensive plan designed to address issues that arise when farmers and local residents have a conflict over farm production. ACRE will eliminate illegal ordinances that impede farming and help farmers avoid court costs, while also helping to improve the environment and improve quality of life of local residents.
* Renewable Ag Energy - Creation of the Pennsylvania Agricultural Renewable Energy Council and development of the Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard, which has been recognized nationally as the most ambitious and innovative of its kind. By building an agricultural renewable energy industry, the state will open markets to new farmers, reduce dependency on foreign fuels, create new jobs, promote economic growth, encourage conservation and build a diversified energy base.
* Economic Stimulus/First Industries Fund - Launching the innovative $150 million First Industries Fund to benefit the commonwealth's two leading industries, agriculture and tourism. To date, the First Industries Fund has provided more than $32 million dollars to the agricultural industry in the form of low-interest loans, loan guarantees and grants matched by more than $94 million in private investments.
* Center for Dairy Excellence - Creation of the Center for Dairy Excellence. The Center works to make the dairy industry, which is the largest segment of Pennsylvania agriculture, more profitable. The Center has provided support to the industry through outreach and education, farm business management and economic development.
* Center for Farm Transitions - Creation of the Center for Farm Transitions. The Center addresses the needs of the nearly 30 percent of Pennsylvania farmers who will be retiring from farming in the next decade. The Center provides resources for individuals looking to start farming, transition to different types of farming or pass farms on to the next generation.
Ag Progress Days is one of the largest outdoor agricultural exhibitions in the country. This year's event runs Aug.15-17, and features 350 exhibitors, including the Department of Agriculture, Penn State's College of Ag Sciences, and a variety of agricultural and conservation groups. More than 50,000 attendees are expected to attend.
http://www.state.pa.us/papower/cwp/view.asp?A=11&Q=455472