As Pennsylvania’s agricultural landscape faces increasing challenges, Republican gubernatorial candidate Stacy Garrity is stepping up to address the concerns of local farmers. In a recent visit to Lackawanna County, Garrity held her inaugural listening session aimed at understanding and supporting the state’s farming community.
“I will prioritize Pennsylvania agriculture because I know firsthand the impact you have on our communities,” said Garrity, a native of Bradford County. “Supporting Pennsylvania family farms will be a priority of my administration.”
Policy Proposals and Listening Session
During her visit to Keith Eckel’s farm in Clarks Summit, Garrity outlined several policy initiatives including the creation of a new office to assist farmers with state forms, the elimination of the death tax, and the promotion of FFA clubs in schools. She was accompanied by prominent Republican officials from Northeast Pennsylvania’s agricultural regions.
In attendance were state Reps. Jeffrey Olsommer, Brenda Pugh, and Jonathan Fritz, as well as state Sen. Lisa Baker and Lackawanna County Commissioner Chris Chermak. The gathering, set in Eckel’s barn, featured discussions with farmers such as Jim Barber from Susquehanna County and Tim Jaggers from Lake Ariel.
Streamlining Agricultural Permits
One key topic of discussion was the state’s complex permitting process, which Garrity aims to simplify through her proposed Farmers Aid in Rural Management (FARM) office. This new office would streamline the paperwork process, allowing farmers to handle multiple submissions across different agencies in a single step.
State Sen. Lisa Baker noted the inclusion of permit dashboards in the state budget and expressed enthusiasm for Garrity’s plans to build upon these efforts. “I’m delighted to hear that your administration would refocus that effort and advance it even further than what we’ve accomplished thus far,” she remarked.
Inheritance Tax Concerns
Another significant concern addressed was the inheritance tax, which poses financial challenges for farm families. Garrity’s proposal to eliminate this tax resonates with farmers like Keith Eckel, who emphasized the importance of preserving agriculture in Pennsylvania. “That’s a critical issue that needs to be addressed if we’re serious about preserving agriculture in Pennsylvania,” Eckel stated.
Jim Barber, a third-generation farmer, shared his concerns about the tax’s impact on future generations. “A lot of that is because the economics of farming is so difficult, and to be the generation that loses the farm when so many have sacrificed so much is really difficult,” he said.
Farmland Preservation
Garrity also addressed the issue of farmland being sold to data center developers. She advocated for preserving farmland and suggested targeting industrial sites for such developments. “I hate to see our precious farmland given up for data centers because we do have so many other available areas,” she commented.
Keith Eckel highlighted Pennsylvania’s success in farmland preservation, noting that the state now leads the nation in preserved acres. The program allows state and county governments to purchase conservation easements, ensuring farmland remains dedicated to agricultural use.
Shapiro Administration’s Efforts
While Garrity is actively proposing new initiatives, the current administration under Gov. Josh Shapiro has also focused on permitting reform. Shapiro’s efforts led to the elimination of a longstanding permit application backlog, showcasing a commitment to facilitating smoother operations for businesses and farmers alike.
As the gubernatorial race heats up, the debate over agricultural policies continues to be a central issue, with both candidates offering distinct approaches to supporting Pennsylvania’s farming communities.
