Political Quotes

“As we prepare the next farm bill, I rise today to speak about the impact that agriculture has on the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, our farmers, our economy, and our communities. Agriculture is the number one industry in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. We proudly boast 58,200 farms, totaling more than 7.7 million acres of farmland. These farms contribute to a total economic impact of $45 billion from production, food processing, marketing, transportation, and manufacturing. Mr. Speaker, the farm bill affects everyone in Pennsylvania in various ways, just as it does families throughout the United States of America. It provides a safety net for farmers and ranchers during difficult times. It supports infrastructure and economic development in rural communities. It incentivizes good conservation practices to protect our farmland and our environment. It helps provide access to nutritious, quality food for the least fortunate among us, as well as breakfasts and lunches for our schoolchildren. The farm bill's effects can be felt beyond the ag industry. In 2015, the USDA rated the market value of all agricultural production in Pennsylvania at $8.7 billion, and agricultural exports contributed $2 billion to the State economy. The strengthening impact that agriculture has on the Pennsylvania economy is significant and undeniable, yet it is only one example of agriculture's vast influence on the lives of everyone in the Commonwealth.…”