Dark clouds on horizon for state’s largest industry

Harrisburg — The 94th annual Pennsylvania Farm Show opened on Saturday, January 9, at the Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg. The show is the state’s annual celebration of its largest industry.  Believed to bring about $10 million in economic benefit to the capital region, the show is the largest indoor agricultural exhibition in the nation. More than 400,000 visitors were expected to attend the eight day event.

This year, as the agricultural community gathered to celebrate its place in the state’s economy and quality of life, the state’s dairy industry was continuing to see dark clouds of uncertainty gathering.

In opening the show, Gov. Ed Rendell stated that “It’s a pleasure to be here to open the 94th Farm Show, which celebrates our state’s number one industry and family farms that keep agriculture Pennsylvania growing in difficult economic times.”

The Governor, who has made many noteworthy trips to the Farm Show, was eager to outline his administration’s accomplishments in agriculture.

Some of the highlights included:

* Centers For Excellence — The Centers for Beef Excellence, Dairy Excellence and Farm Transitions have helped thousands of producers run their farms more efficiently and increase their profit margins.

* Dog Law — With the signing of Act 119 of 2008 and the requirements on commercial kennels that went into effect in Oct. 9, 2009 Pennsylvania is shedding its reputation as the “Puppy Mill Capital of the East.” The legislation raised the bar on commercial kennels in Pennsylvania ensuring that profits aren’t placed above the welfare of dogs.

* Farmland Preservation — Under the Rendell Administration, 167,036 acres on 1,697 farms have been preserved so agricultural uses will continue on those lands forever. Pennsylvania leads the nation in farmland preservation with more than 418,000 acres preserved on more than 3,800 farms.

* PA Preferred Branding Program — The PA Preferred Branding Program, created in 2004, allows consumers to more easily identify Pennsylvania-made products, so buyers can support local producers and processors. PA Preferred has more than 2,300 members and is featured at more than 4,400 member locations.

* PA Racing Expansion — The passing of slots legislation has helped to revitalize Pennsylvania’s horse and harness racing industries. With increased efforts in horse breeding and training and two brand new race tracks, the commonwealth is becoming a premiere destination for horsemen and racing fans.

* Renewable Energy — In May 2010 all diesel fuel sold in Pennsylvania will contain at least two percent biodiesel. This initiative not only benefits the state’s agriculture industry by using crops grown here in the commonwealth but also reduces our dependence on foreign oil.

Despite passage of a federal aid package to dairy farmers, the industry continues to struggle with record low prices that threaten the family-based dairy farm sector.