10 Important Reasons to Join
PennAg Industries Association!

PennAg provides its members:

Representation through
One Voice to provide
Leadership for the #1 Industry
in Pennsylvania in order to
Influence outcomes and create
Opportunities and to
Partner with the community
in an effort to supply
Credible and Timely Information with the purpose of offering
Ag Education to the public and
instruction to members through
Industry Specific Councils
along with a complete range of
Incredible
Membership Services!

Who We Are
PennAg Industries Association is the premier agribusiness association in Pennsylvania.

PennAg is a full-time, full-service membership association representing Pennsylvania agribusiness - enterprises of all sizes and types, representing the entire food chain.

PennAg offers communications, education and representation. It is your voice in government, public and media affairs. It is your advocate.

What We Do

Information
PennAg keeps you informed - providing information and education through meetings, seminars, conventions, and publications. PennAg also provides information on important topics to a variety of external audiences, such as local government and the media.

Governmental Affairs
PennAg provides members with a "voice on the hill" and access to the executive and legislative branches of state government through a strong governmental affairs program. PennAg's stature at the capitol has increased considerably in recent years, and we are sought out by decision-makers for input to shape ag policy and for guidance on issues affecting agriculture and agribusiness.

Legislative Activity
PennAg employs a full-time lobbyist to represent agribusiness interests in the Pennsylvania General Assembly. We monitor legislative activity and aggressively address issues affecting agriculture and agribusiness. Issues requiring legislative attention are identified by the PennAg Legislative Committee.

Executive Branch Activity
PennAg monitors the activities of Commonwealth agencies that have programs which affect members, such as regulatory programs. PennAg is represented at meetings of the Animal Health and Diagnostic Commission, Nutrient Management Advisory Board, State Conservation Commission, Pesticide Advisory Board, Noxious Weed Task Force, DEP Ag Advisory Board, Environmental Quality Board, and numerous other committees. PennAg also frequently meets with agency officials to address issues under their jurisdiction.

Council Support
All members are eligible for membership in one or more of the five operating Councils, for which PennAg provides staff support and coordination. The Councils are: Agronomic Products; Feed, Grain and Allied Industry; Poultry; Seed; and, Swine.

Standards & Practices
Through its partnerships with academia, government and other related organizations, PennAg helps develop industry best practices, standards and certifications.

Problem Resolution
PennAg offers a variety of problem resolution opportunities - from networking opportunities among members to liaison services with agencies and organization.

Liaison with Other Organizations
PennAg has established relationships with most of the organizations that represent the broad spectrum of Pennsylvania agriculture. PennAg is an active participant in the Council of Farm Organizations and has access to all members of that council to assist in addressing member problems. PennAg also works with a variety of other organizations, such as township and environmental groups, on issues of concern.

National Organizations
PennAg is a member of most of the national organizations that represent agriculture, such as the American Feed Industry, National Grain and Feed, American Crop Protection, and American Seed Trade associations and the Fertilizer Institute, National Chicken Council and American Egg Board. Following national issues provides a head start in addressing issues which might affect Pennsylvania agriculture.

Relationship with Academia
PennAg has established working relationships with the College of Agricultural Sciences at Penn State and at the Veterinary School at the University of Pennsylvania. Staff of those institutions serve as advisers to PennAg's councils.

Political Action Committee
PennAg maintains a properly registered political action committee, PennAg PAC. All members are eligible to participate in PAC fund-raising. Proceeds support legislators who responsibly advance agriculture and agribusiness interests.

Scholarships
Employees of PennAg member companies and their families are eligible for PennAg sponsored scholarships for training and education beyond high school.

Insurance Plans
PennAg offers a variety of member-only or endorsed insurance programs. They are:

• Health Insurance. This insurance includes a comprehensive Major Medical Plan with $250 or $500 deductible, prescriptions, dental, and vision.
• Life Insurance.
• Section 125 Plan. This plans that allow employees to pay for medical insurance and other expenses, such as day care, with pre-tax earnings and can reduce employer payroll taxes.
• Worker's Compensation. This plan returns unused premiums to participants as dividends. Claims management and loss control procedures follow individual claims to eliminate the possibility of abuse. Since the inception of this member service in 1978, participants have received more than $15 million in dividends, almost 37% of actual premiums.
• Long Term Health Care. This program covers the costs of long-term hospital and nursing home care.
• Pollution Liability. This program includes environmental audits and other requirements for participation.

Contact PennAg for details of these programs.