Governor Shapiro Unveils Pennsylvania's First-Ever Strategic Plan for Agriculture to Support Farmers, Drive Economic Growth, and Strengthen Global Competitiveness

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October 16, 2026 - Chester Springs, PA

Governor Shapiro Unveils Pennsylvania's First-Ever Strategic Plan for Agriculture to Support Farmers, Drive Economic Growth, and Strengthen Global Competitiveness

Governor Josh Shapiro, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) Secretary Russell Redding, and Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger visited Milky Way Farm in Chester County to unveil Pennsylvania's first-ever, 10-year Strategic Plan for Agriculture. Through this plan, the Shapiro Administration is working to support farmers and ag producers and ensure one of the Commonwealth's largest industries remains profitable and globally competitive.

With more than 48,800 farms supporting 600,000 jobs and driving more than $153.2 billion in annual economic output, agriculture is one of Pennsylvania's largest industries. Understanding that impact, this plan outlines the necessary steps to address and improve four critical industry needs including access to capital; efficiency and profitability; modernization and innovation; and public engagement.

"When I took office, I made a commitment to put agriculture at the center of my Administration's work to grow our economy and create opportunity, and we've done that," saidGovernor Shapiro. "We're investing in our farmers and our ag industry, addressing the unique challenges our farmers face, and growing and expanding this sector faster than ever before - but I know that farmers continue to face real challenges like federal trade policies, high costs, and a lack of reliable, high-speed internet. This plan provides a 10-year roadmap to build a stronger agricultural industry that will have the resources to thrive with a government that has their backs every step of the way - because our future runs right through Pennsylvania's farmlands."

Speakers In Order:
Carolyn Matthews Eaglehouse - Co-Owner, Milky Way Farm & Chester Springs Creamery
Governor Josh Shapiro
Gary Smith, Executive Strategist - Chester County Economic Development Council
Secretary Russell Redding - PA Department of Agriculture
Secretary Rick Siger - PA Department of Community & Economic Development
Hannah Kinney Smith - Executive Director, Pasa Sustainable Agriculture
Senator Judy Schwank - PA's 11th Senate District
Representative Eddie Day Pashinski - PA's 121st House District

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