Discover the Heartbeat of Pennsylvania’s Economy Through Agriculture
Leaders in the state’s agriculture community convened at the Maclay Street Lobby entrance of the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex on a chilly Saturday morning. They celebrated the opening of the 109th Pennsylvania Farm Show, an event that has become the largest indoor agricultural exposition in the United States. U.S. Rep. Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (R-15th District), chair of the U.S. House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, highlighted the critical role of agriculture as America's leading industry, providing essential resources such as food, fiber, building materials, and energy.
The Economic Backbone of Pennsylvania
Agriculture is not just a part of Pennsylvania's culture; it is a cornerstone of its economy. Rick Siger, Secretary of Community and Economic Development, emphasized that nearly 600,000 jobs in Pennsylvania are linked to agriculture, accounting for one in every ten positions statewide. The sector contributes over $130 billion annually to the Commonwealth’s economy, making it an indispensable ecosystem. Governor Josh Shapiro has recognized this by listing agriculture among his top priorities in his ten-year economic development plan.
Russell Redding, Pennsylvania’s Secretary of Agriculture, described the current state of the agricultural community as both robust and vulnerable. He noted that while the industry is diverse and growing, it faces challenges like weather-related issues, immigration policies, tariffs, and environmental concerns. Despite these obstacles, the sector remains resilient and vital to Pennsylvania's prosperity.
Federal Support and Future Prospects
On December 21, President Joe Biden signed a $100 billion disaster package, which included an extension of the Farm Bill—a move crucial for Pennsylvania. Thompson expressed optimism about the incoming administration under President-elect Donald Trump, praising Brooke Rollins, Trump’s nominee for USDA Secretary. Rollins' background in domestic policy and her strong relationship with the President bode well for the future of agriculture.
U.S. Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.), a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, indicated his support for Rollins' nomination. He stressed the importance of protecting funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in the upcoming Farm Bill discussions. Redding also underscored the need to keep food and nutrition policies united with production policies, ensuring comprehensive support for all aspects of agriculture.
Innovations and Challenges in Agriculture
The 2025 Pennsylvania Farm Show offers more than just competitive events and educational opportunities. It serves as a platform for showcasing cutting-edge research and addressing rural development concerns. Redding emphasized the growing issue of food insecurity and the necessity of maintaining robust federal programs like SNAP and emergency food assistance. The event will run through January 11 at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center in Harrisburg, with free admission but a parking fee of $15 per vehicle.
As the farm show progresses, attendees can expect a wealth of knowledge, innovative solutions, and a renewed commitment to advancing Pennsylvania's agricultural legacy. For those interested in learning more, detailed schedules and information are available at Farmshow.pa.gov.