For Immediate Release
April 1, 2009
Contact: Kristin Crawford
(717) 787-4420
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Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee Examines Impact of Proposed Budget Cuts

HARRISBURG – The Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee examined the effect of the governor’s proposed budget cuts yesterday during a hearing with a number of statewide leaders in agriculture.  

“Many members feel that one of the primary factors in determining their budget vote will be the fair and equitable funding of agriculture,” said Sen. Mike Brubaker (R-36), who chairs the committee. “Everyone has to share the pain of budget cuts, but many of us believe that the agriculture budget has been targeted for deep, painful and unfair reductions in the governor’s budget proposal when compared to other state agencies.” 

Dr. Sherrill Davison, Resident Director of the Pennsylvania Animal Diagnostic Laboratory at the Pennsylvania State University’s New Bolton Center, and Ag Coalition Chairman Jim Adams were among several participants who voiced concerns that proposed cuts to the Animal Health and Diagnostic Commission could harm the state’s ability to deal with an outbreak of salmonella or other animal or food-borne illnesses. 

Dr. Bruce McPheron, Associate Dean of Research and incoming Dean for Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, testified in support of restoring funding for agriculture research, stating that every $1 appropriated to research returns a $20 economic impact to the state. Furmano Foods CEO David Geise noted that the research funding was a vital component for tomato farmers to avoid disease and increase yields, making Pennsylvania farmers more competitive across the nation. The governor’s budget proposal cut 6 percent from agriculture research programs in Penn State’s budget and eliminated any funds that could be used for new research projects under the department’s budget. 

Chesapeake Bay Foundation Pennsylvania Executive Director Matt Ehrhart also testified that cuts to research and county conservation districts could hurt the Commonwealth’s ability to meet the nutrient and sediment requirements under the Chesapeake Bay Tributary Strategy. Brenda Shambaugh of the Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts criticized cuts to conservation districts and noted the important role that conservation districts play in supporting a number of vital programs for landowners, including increased responsibilities brought by the Marcellus Shale gas deposit.  

Pennsylvania Association of Regional Food Banks Executive Director Sheila Christopher urged increased support for the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program and State Food Purchase Program to help food banks meet the nutritional needs of the growing number of Pennsylvanians who are at risk for hunger.  

Tom Brosius of the American Mushroom Institute noted the importance of marketing funding from the state and pointed out that more than 60 percent of the nation’s mushrooms are grown in Pennsylvania. Judy Nissley of the Pennsylvania Winery Association testified that the marketing funding helps to promote growth in the industry and increase tourism dollars to the state through events such as wine tours and wine tastings.  

FFA Foundation President Jim Shirk and several Pennsylvania FFA State officers testified on how the program has impacted their lives and advocated for a restoration of funding for the program in this year’s budget. The committee also heard testimony from Pennsylvania Farm Bureau State Governmental Relations Director Joel Rotz, Chester County Economic Development Council CEO Gary Smith, Pennsylvania State Association of County Fairs President James Davis, Pennsylvania Forest Products Association Executive Director Paul Lyskava and Secretary of Agriculture Dennis Wolff. 

“The hearing provided a wide range of opinions and information for committee members, and this input will be invaluable as we continue to work to approve a spending plan that will help the state weather the recession,” Brubaker said. “I would like to thank all of the individuals who took time out of their busy schedules to participate in the hearing, and I appreciate all of the information that was provided to our committee.” 

Video links, audio clips and additional information from the hearing are available online at senatorbrubaker.com.