Agronomic Products Council
Aquaculture Council
Feed, Grain and Allied Industry Council
Manure Haulers & Applicators Council
Poultry Council
Seed Council
Swine Council

 



The Agronomic Products Council (APC) represents those who serve the crop industry in Pennsylvania. With assistance from the American Crop Protection Association, the Fertilizer Institute, and the Agricultural Retailers Association, APC members keep informed of pending items at the national level.

  • APC currently has members serving on the following state boards:
    1. The Pennsylvania Pesticide Advisory Board.
    2. The Pennsylvania Nutrient Management Board.
    3. The Pennsylvania Certified Crop Advisors Board.


    Participation on these important state boards provide members with the opportunity to have input on state issues.

  • APC continuously monitors legislation introduced in the Pennsylvania legislature. We evaluate the potential impact on Ag-Chem dealers and manufacturers and provide input as appropriate.
  • APC plans, organizes, and hosts educational training seminars to assist members with the operation of their businesses. Members receive discounts on the cost of attendance at these sessions.
  • APC works closely with the Penn State University on a variety of initiatives impacting Pennsylvania agriculture. Representatives from the membership serve on the board of the Pennsylvania Agronomic Education Society which annually hosts the Lime, Fertilizer, Pesticide Conference, a multi-day educational event held at State College. We are also members of the Penn State University Agricultural Council.
  • As members of PennAg Industries Association/APC, companies can participate in the purchase of group life and health insurance with optional dental, vision and long and short term disability coverage. Workers compensation coverage through the Pennsylvania Manufacturers Association is also available.
  • APC was instrumental in obtaining the Act 23 amendments to the Tax Code. With these amendments, companies involved in processing, blending and packaging of fertilizers can expect reductions in certain taxes. One of the amendments exempts fertilizer equipment used in the manufacturing process between material storage bins or tanks and ultimate delivery container such as bag, bulk transport, farm truck, etc. from Pennsylvania Sales and Use Tax. Also included in the amendments is the elimination of the Capital Stock and Franchise Tax for fertilizer processing, blending and packaging operations.

Governed by an Executive Committee, the entire APC membership meets twice a year - in the winter for a day long session to review current issues and in the summer for interactive tours of fellow council members' facilities. The Agronomic Products Council along with the Poultry, Feed, Grain and Allied Industries, Swine, and Seed Councils are united under the umbrella of the PennAg Industries Association to form a strong unified voice to represent you and your business in Pennsylvania. Please give your consideration to becoming a member today.

For more information, please contact Jen Reed-Harry at (717) 651-5920 or email at jrharry@pennag.com.

In April, 2005, representatives of PennAg Industries Association and the Pennsylvania Aquaculture Association (PAA) signed an agreement which created the PennAg Aquaculture Council.  The PennAg Aquaculture Council currently has over 30 members who represent the majority of aquaculture production in Pennsylvania’s nearly $9 million aquaculture industry.

For more information, please contact Jen Reed-Harry at (717) 651-5920 or email at jrharry@pennag.com

 

 



PennAg developed a Council structure as the result of mergers with other associations. The Feed, Grain and Allied Industries Council was created to provide representation to PennAg's traditional membership.

 

With over 400 members, the Feed, Grain and Allied Industries Council is PennAg's largest council.

 

For more information, please contact Duff George at (717) 651-5920 or email at dgeorge@pennag.com.

 

The Manure, Haulers and Applicators Council was originally formed by an independent group with a common interest.  Today, the council encourages animal producers to contract with a Certified Nutrient Management Specialist and a Certified Manure Hauler or Broker to ensure all regulations are being followed and requirements are met.  This council was very involved in the legislative and regulatory processes relating to ACT 49 and with a very active membership, we work together to ensure state and federal guidelines are met and followed by supplying up-to-date information.  We are a vital support segment of agribusiness and are involved with developing more educational opportunities including continuing education credits.  For more information, please contact Amy Bradford at (717)651-5920 or by email at abradford@pennag.com.



The Poultry Council is a communication and advocacy tool for the poultry industry in Pennsylvania which developed from the merger of the Pennsylvania Poultry Federation into the council structure of PennAg in 1998.

We represent growers, integrators, processors, hatcheries, equipment, feed companies, vaccine companies, and advisors for everything from broilers to eggs to turkeys to gamebirds for the conventional and live bird markets.

Our committees are the key to a successful Poultry Council. They include:

  • PEQAP - Pennsylvania Egg Quality Assurance Program - The Oversight Committee works closely with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and the Pennsylvania Department of Health to administer one of the best food safety programs in the nation. PEQAP has gained national recognition from FDA and consumer advocates for our leadership in egg safety programs.
  • Poultry Health - Open discussions are a trademark of this collaboration of industry, academia, and the Department of Agriculture. The group meets quarterly for updates on diseases, biosecurity, and poultry health issues.
  • Research - There are actually two research committees in the Poultry Council. The first is dedicated to broilers and the second is devoted to egg research. Each is funded by a voluntary check-off program and directs over $150,000 annually of research for participating companies.
  • Egg and Meat Bird - This is the heart of the Poultry Council membership. The group meets quarterly to discuss a wide range of poultry issues ranging from animal welfare to public relations for the poultry industry. This is the primary communication tool for the poultry industry to stay on the leading competitive edge and to partner with academia and regulators.
  • Scholarship - The PennAg Poultry Council Scholarship Foundation is entrusted with an endowment that provides $4000 a year in scholarships to students studying poultry science or poultry processing.
  • Special events - There are several special events throughout the year that raise funds for the Poultry Council. Annual events include the Spring Poultry Banquet, a Farm Show Food Stand and Display, and a fall Golf Outing.
  • Executive Committee - This is the leadership in the organization, elected from nominations from the Egg and Meat Bird committee. There are 9 egg industry representatives and 9 from the broiler industry. There is also a technical advisor for the group. Their primary purpose is to set the Goals and Objectives of the Poultry Council and to develop the budget.

What can the Poultry Council do for me?

  • Representation of the industry before legislators and regulatory agencies
  • Scholarships for students in the industry
  • Industry promotion
  • Establish research priorities and fund with voluntary check-off program

Goals of the Poultry Council include:

  • Provide regular updates to the poultry industry on research, trends, and other pertinent items
  • Increase media representation to increase exposure of Council in state and national publications through press releases, article submissions and to establish links to non-agriculture media in major markets
  • Explore ways to implement research and provide a forum for industry to offer suggested research topics
  • Increase efforts to promote food safety to consumers and develop partnerships with retailers/grocers to improve food safety education in stores
  • Increase industry involvement in state poultry contests and begin to develop incentives for the best students to consider careers in poultry
  • Expand and enhance relationships with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, specifically poultry health issues, PEQAP program, Avian Influenza and biosecurity.

For more information, please contact PennAg at (717) 651-5920 or email at dgeorge@pennag.com



The Seed Council represents industry responsible for seed production and wholesale and retail marketing of agronomic, horticultural, garden and lawn seed in Pennsylvania.

History:
Prior to 1960 the Pennsylvania Seedman's Association was started by a group of independent seedsmen in PA who recognized a need to improve their industry and protect their interests in legislative matters. Seed law development and oversight, along with improved seed production techniques were the two major concerns.

The Seed Council is affiliated with the following National/Regional organizations:

  • The American Seed Trade Association.
  • The Atlantic Seed Association.
  • The Western Seedsmen's Association.
  • The Golf Course Superintendents of America.

These organizations provide us with the opportunity to have input on issues of concern to our members, as well as keeping the Council informed of pending items at the national level. Current areas of activity include Mandatory Non-Binding Arbitration and the National Invasive Weed Species Act.

At the state level, we work closely with:

  • The PA Forage and Grassland Council.
  • The PA Turfgrass Council.
  • Local Chapters of the Golf Course Superintendents Association.
  • The PA Agronomic Education Society.

The Seed Council continuously monitors proposed legislation impacting on state seed laws. The Council holds one general membership meeting annually in conjunction with the Agronomic Products Council.

The Council annually provides three Scholarships to deserving students at Penn State University and Delaware Valley College.

As members of the PennAg Industries Association/Seed Council, companies can participate in the purchase of group life and health insurance with optional dental, vision and long and short term disability coverage. Workers compensation coverage through the Pennsylvania Manufactures Association is also available.

Accomplishments to Date:
- maintaining a good relationship with PDA, PSU
- ongoing development of new varieties.
- Plant variety protection (PVP) for patented varieties
- ongoing participation in the writing and re-writing of the Seed laws to include the recommended uniform state seed laws.

 

Future Issue:
- Mandatory Non-Binding Arbitration as part of the PA Seed Laws

For more information, please contact Jen Reed-Harry at (717) 651-5920 or email at jrharry@pennag.com



PennAg established the Swine Council in 2000 to provide a council structure to PennAg members who are involved in the swine industry in Pennsylvania. The council has developed rapidly and will focus its attention on environmental issues related to the swine industry and swine health issues. A work plan for this council is under development. The council is governed by an Executive Committee as follows:

For more information, please contact Amy Bradford at (717) 651-5920 or email at abradford@pennag.com.

 

 

 

 

 

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