HARRISBURG – State Senator Lisa Baker (R-20) and Senator Gene Yaw (R-20) this week hosted a “Breakfast Meeting on Agriculture” with nearly 100 participants representing agriculture and agribusiness in Bradford and Susquehanna Counties.
Held at the Bible Conference in Montrose, attendee’s consisting of farmers, farm bureau members, conservation districts, agribusiness professionals, FFA students from Athens and Northeast Bradford school districts, teachers and elected officials heard from the senators, as well as featured speaker Russell C. Redding, Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.
“Each year, the discussion is intended to create a friendly dialogue and exchange of ideas on important agricultural and environmental topics impacting our region,” Sen. Yaw said. “The meeting is also designed to listen to concerns and answer questions. I was glad Secretary Redding was able to join us this year and highlight many important issues facing agriculture.”
The day’s discussion also touched on several legislative proposals pending before the state Senate, which focus on water quality and environmental improvements. Senate Bill 251, sponsored by Sen. Yaw, will set clear standards for the application of fertilizer to turf, providing for labels and labeling. The bill requires all professional fertilizer applicators to be certified in proper application techniques and best management practices.
“The health of Pennsylvania’s streams and rivers is of critical importance to our economic future and quality of life,” Sen. Yaw added. “Unfortunately, thousands of miles of streams in the Commonwealth are impaired due to excess levels of nitrogen and phosphorus. Excess levels of these nutrients are also significant contributors to the impairment of the Chesapeake Bay, whose watershed covers 50 percent of our state.”
Another proposal discussed included Senate Bill 465, which creates an Agricultural Conservation Assistance Program encouraging new investments in on-farm conservation.
For a complete list of legislation sponsored by Sen. Yaw, click here.
For more state-related news and information visit Senator Yaw’s website at www.SenatorGeneYaw.com or on Facebook and Twitter @SenatorGeneYaw.