FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 1, 2005
Contact:  Erin K. Kelly
(717) 846-2828
ekelly@pasen.gov
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Waugh & Wenger Unveil Major Agricultural Initiative Aimed at Preserving the Pennsylvania Farmer 

HARRISBURG -- Senator Mike Waugh (R-York) and Senator Noah Wenger (R-Lancaster) today announced a comprehensive legislative package aimed at promoting agriculture in Pennsylvania.

The senators, who serve as chairman and vice chairman of the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, said their "Preserving the Pennsylvania Farmer" initiative includes a number of measures designed to preserve farmland, prevent sprawl, help farmers be more competitive and ensure that agriculture remains Pennsylvania’s top industry.

Wenger and Waugh said they plan to push for a number of initiatives to help farmers be productive and successful and to keep the agricultural industry strong in Pennsylvania.  They include (click link for summary in PDF file):

• Property tax rebates for agricultural preservation
• A realty transfer tax measure to preserve farmland
• An agricultural preservation enhancement and sprawl prevention program
• Elimination of the death tax
• Promoting new public/private partnerships to preserve farmland
• A "Farm to School" agricultural education and nutrition program
• Equine liability
• New methods for manure disposal

Senator Waugh noted that Pennsylvania has been successful in preserving farmland, but the farming industry is facing many challenges.  He said the average farmer is over 53 years old, and many family farms are struggling to make a profit.

"We've become efficient and effective at preserving the land; but it is time to preserve the Pennsylvania farmer and a way of life that is so important to this state," Waugh said.  "This comprehensive package of proposals is intended to enable our producers to remain profitable and to stay in business."

Senator Wenger added that Pennsylvania needs to do more to encourage farmers to remain in agriculture and to keep family farmers strong and competitive.  He said that agriculture in Pennsylvania is an "economic engine" and the proposals announced today would provide additional fuel to keep agriculture production and agriculture related businesses moving forward.

"Agriculture is so important to Pennsylvania's economy and to its heritage.  We have to look at new ways to improve economic opportunities for the men and women who work the land for a living and keep the tradition of farming alive."

He noted that Pennsylvania is a significant generator of food, agricultural and forest products, exporting more than $1.5 billion annually.  In total, production agriculture and agribusiness contribute nearly $45 billion to Pennsylvania’s economy.

Waugh added that his committee will seek public input on the initiatives proposed, as well as other measures to help enable farmers to make better business decisions.

"Today is just the beginning for our campaign to help preserve the strong tradition of farming in Pennsylvania," Waugh said.  "We want to pull together all legitimate interested parties -- the Senate, the House of Representatives, the Administration, interest groups and individuals to collaboratively flesh out the proposals we have presented and listen to other, beneficial ideas.  Working together, we can help to preserve the Pennsylvania farmer and keep agriculture strong in the Commonwealth."