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PennAg's Positions on Agricultural Issues

]and} In compliance with its mission to create and maintain an effective, viable and competitive environment for Pennsylvania agri-business to grow and prosper, PennAg upholds the following beliefs on Agricultural Issues.

Philosophy on Agricultural Production

... those involved in farming, agriculture, and agribusiness, regardless of the commodities produced, the size of the operation, production style, or marketing method, are devoted to production of food and fiber for the general public and, as such, are engaged in a profession that is essential to survival, and, if performing responsibly, should be supported by government at all levels and by all of those engaged in this profession.

Agricultural Biotechnology

... the use of agricultural biotechnology has the potential to increase agricultural productvity, improve animal and human health, and improve the environment, and should be supported financially and philosophically.

Air Quality

... until there is scientifically-based evidence that there is a relationship between agricultural odors and human health, those involved in agricultural production should utilize the best available technology to reduce the amount of odor emissions from their operations. Furthermore, *that additional funding should be made available to accelerate agricultural research on controlling agricultural odors. The results of the research should be publicized to the general public as much as possible.

Animal Health

... animal health is essential to produce a high quality, safe, and affordable food product. To maintain animal health, PennAg supports the work of the Animal Health and Diagnostic Commission and the expansion of a Bio-Security Level III laboratory. Further, *that an effective animal health program which protects all segments of the livestock and poultry industry and state and federal governments.

Animal Welfare

... implementation of the best management practices of animal handling, care and welfare, which are based upon scientific research, during production and processing, help insure a high quality of product for consumers. Comfortable animals are the most productive, profitable, and healthy.

Certification Programs

... farmers and agri-businesses should participate in, and complete, certification programs designed to enhance their working knowledge of issues related to food safety/handling, nutrient management, pesticide use, manure hauling/application, and environmental programs such as PEACCE. Improving performance helps allay non-agricultural community concerns about agriculture.

Agricultural Education

... if Pennsylvania's non-agricultural public is to fully comprehend the importance of agriculture to their survival, agricultural education must be accelerated in Pennsylvania, thereby requiring that all educational standards relating to agriculture must be met in all classrooms.

Environment

... farmers were the first environmentalists; therefore, as stewards of the land and water resources, they realize the importance of protecting and conserving those resources that sustain their ability to continue in their chosen profession and to hand down those resources to the next generation in better condition than they received them.

Farmland Preservation

... if farmland is to be preserved, and remain profitable for agricultural production, not just open space, ensuring the farmer's right to farm is essential.

Food Quality/Safety Assurance Programs

... American agriculture is producing the highest quality, safest, and most affordable food products in the world. If consumers are to be beneficiaries of those products without foodbourne illnesses, others within the food distribution, delivery, and food handling system must be properly certified and meet appropriate standards.

Grain Dealer Bonding and Licensing

... an equitable program that meets the needs of both the industry and the individual farmer is essential. Further, *that both parties must meet their obligations by insuring prompt payment according to their contracts.

Health Care Reform

... the cost of health insurance is a problem that affects all businesses. As an interim measure, PennAg believes that a moratorium on new health insurance mandates, a requirement that insurance providers disclose and justify administrative costs, and a requirement that the Department of Insurance take a more aggressive role in monitoring proposed rate increases, would help address this monumental problem for businesses.

Local Governement Regulation of Agricultural Operations

... a legislative solution to the problem of local governments adopting illegal ordinances to regulate agriculture is essential. PennAg supports the adoption of comprehensive planning and zoning as the appropriate mechanism for local governments to determine where agriculture is to be conducted within their municipality. Standards for agricultural operations must be set at the federal and state level since that is where the expertise and knowledge exists.

Nutrient Management

... the adoption and enforcement of state-of-the-art, scientifically-based, best management practices are necessary to eliminate potential pollution from all nutrient sources. PennAg also supports the adoption of a phosphorus-based nutrient management plan and the closing of the loophole for manure haulers and brokers.

Invasive Species

... the use of an approved process, which includes scientific review of selected species prior to formal declaration of species status, is essential for a workable and acceptable program.