Gibbons Hosts Agriculture Secretary and Farmers at Local Event

BEAVER COUNTY, Oct. 13 – State Rep. Jaret Gibbons, D-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence, welcomed Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and 30 local farmers at a local restaurant to talk about agriculture education, food trade and the future of state farmers.

Gibbons said Redding addressed the audience and took questions relating to the agriculture workforce.

When Gibbons met with the local farmers, he stressed that the state needs to prepare the next generation of agriculture workforce with some 75,000 people needed in the next 20 years.

“For decades, agriculture in Pennsylvania has been associated with the production of essential food crops, so we need to preserve that profession. Agriculture is the backbone of our economic organization,” Gibbons said.

Gibbons said Pennsylvania’s economy relies heavily on revenue generated by the top five agricultural products such as dairy products, cattle and calves, greenhouse and nursery products such as eggs and mushrooms.

Almost 70 percent of agriculture income is generated by livestock and livestock products. Milk is the state’s most important livestock product and Pennsylvania is a leading state in the production of milk. Beef and cattle rank second among the state’s products.

Gibbons also pointed out that, since agriculture employs many people, it contributes to the economic development of the state.

“I am proud to support and stand with our local and state farmers to continue leading the nation with the outstanding production of food and the preservation of jobs,” Gibbons said.

The event was hosted by PennAg and Seneca Resources.