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Press Contact Information

News media seeking more information on press releases, interviews, requests for comment, or other information related to department programs, initiatives, or priorities should contact the department Press Secretary.

Shannon Powers, Press Secretary

Ph: 717-783-2628

Email: shpowers@pa.gov


General Information & Requests:

If you are a member of the general public or industry looking for more information on department programs, to contact a bureau or program, or report a complaint, please contact the general number or submit an inquiry on our Contact Page.

General phone: 717-787-4737


Press Website

Shapiro Administration Awards $1.6 Million to 39 Foodbanks, Pantries, and Soup Kitchens to Expand Emergency Food Access Across Pennsylvania

09/19/2023
Governor Shapiro’s Administration is committed — during Hunger Action Month and year-round — to fighting hunger and food insecurity across Pennsylvania. 

Pennsylvania Hosts U.S. Dairy Stars, Develops Future Leaders During All-American Dairy Show

09/16/2023
The All-American Dairy Show and Premier National Jr. Show return to Harrisburg for the 59th year at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center. The event features four days of competitions from Sunday, September 17 through Wednesday, September 20, highlighting more than 1,500 youth and adult contenders from across the U.S. showing the best of seven dairy cattle breeds, and competing in judging and youth development critical to the future of a vibrant dairy industry. Supporting the volunteer-run national show is part of the Shapiro Administration's commitment to growing and sustaining Pennsylvania's dairy industry.

Pennsylvania Awarded $1 Million in Federal Grants to Boost Sales, Quality of Vegetable, Fruit, Nut, and Nursery Crops

09/08/2023
Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding today announced that Pennsylvania was awarded more than $1 million in federal funds for 11 projects aimed at increasing the visibility, quality, and competitive standing of the state's horticultural specialty crops, including fruit, vegetables, nursery plants, flowers, honey, and nuts. The grants are among 587 funded projects totaling $72.9 million awarded nationwide through the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service's Specialty Crop Block Grant program, which is administered by the state.

Pennsylvania Invests $8.6 Million to Ensure 35 Farms, 2,645 Acres in 18 Counties Will Remain Farms Forever

08/25/2023
Farms Protected in Adams, Allegheny, Beaver, Berks, Chester, Columbia, Cumberland, Dauphin, Erie, Lackawanna, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, Lycoming, Montgomery, Northampton, Union, and York counties

Shapiro Administration Highlights Critical Budget Investments in Pennsylvania’s Hardwoods Industry

08/24/2023
The commonsense, bipartisan budget Governor Shapiro signed earlier this month increased the funding for hardwood research and promotion by 50%

Bipartisan Budget Signed by Governor Shapiro Spurs Innovation, Expands Opportunity, Grows Future of Pennsylvania Agriculture

08/22/2023
The commonsense, bipartisan budget Governor Josh Shapiro signed earlier this month invests in the future of Pennsylvania’s agriculture sector, making critical investments in the industry that feeds the state’s economy $132 billion annually, supports more than 580,000 jobs statewide, and puts food on tables around the world every day.

Shapiro Administration Invites Proposals for $500,000 in PA Farm Bill Grants to Prepare Next Generation for Success in Ag

08/14/2023
Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding called today for proposals for $500,000 in PA Farm Bill Agriculture & Youth Grants from organizations whose projects are aimed at preparing youth to succeed in Pennsylvania’s $132.5 billion agriculture industry.

Shapiro Administration Recognizes Farm Families’ Staying Power, Honoring Two New Bicentennial and Nine New Century Farms

08/10/2023
Today Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding honored the Donald and Donna Kerchner family of Lenhartsville, Berks County, and the Richard Thomas family of Troy, Bradford County. Both families’ farms were named Bicentennial Farms for having been in the same family for 200 years. Redding also honored nine families who achieved Century Farm status for keeping their farms in the same family for 100 years.

Shapiro Administration Visits Fayette County Farm Providing Low-Income Seniors and Families with Fresh, Local Food through Farmers Market Nutrition Program

08/04/2023
Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding visited the market at Duda’s Farm in Brownsville, Fayette County, a participating partner in Pennsylvania’s Farmers Market Nutrition Program. The program provides Pennsylvania’s low-income seniors and families with vouchers to purchase fresh, local fruit and vegetables at farmers markets and farm stands statewide.

Shapiro Administration Announces $13 Million in Tax Credits Supporting Farmers’ Work Improving Water, Soil Quality

07/31/2023
Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding today invited Pennsylvania farmers to apply for $13 million in tax credits available to support their efforts to improve soil health and water quality. Tax credits through Pennsylvania's innovative conservation financing program, Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP), can be combined with other state funding, including the Agriculture Conservation Assistance Program, and Conservation Excellence Grants, as well as federal funding through programs like the Environmental Quality Incentives Program to help pay for on-farm enhancements that protect the environment and boost farm sustainability.

Agriculture Department Warns Consumers to Discard Dove Song Dairy Brand Raw Goat Milk Products Due to Possible Contamination

07/18/2023
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture warns that consumers should immediately discard raw goat milk sold from Dove Song Dairy due to possible contamination with Campylobacter. Three persons who consumed this product and became ill with campylobacteriosis were reported by the Department of Health. Raw milk samples tested by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture are presumptively positive for Campylobacter.

Shapiro Administration Urban Ag Tour Wraps: Feeding Community Strength through Agriculture

07/14/2023
Today, Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding concluded a weeklong annual tour of diverse projects across Pennsylvania, where locals are working together to feed community strength and fuel economic progress through agriculture. 

Shapiro Administration Releases Results of Crop Samples Showing No Contamination on PA Farms Near Norfolk Southern Train Derailment

06/27/2023
Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding announced today that samples from crops in Beaver and Washington Counties show no contamination stemming from the East Palestine, Ohio Norfolk Southern train derailment on February 3, 2023. Area producers requested testing of plant tissue to understand the full impact of the derailment on their agricultural products.

Shapiro Administration Invests $10.2 Million to Protect 29 Farms, 2,044 Acres in 15 Counties from Commercial or Residential Development

06/21/2023
The Shapiro Administration announced today that Pennsylvania preserved 2,044 acres on 29 farms in 15 counties, forever protecting them from future residential or commercial development. The investment of more than $10.2 million in state, county, and local dollars preserves prime farmland, helping Pennsylvania farms continue feeding our families and our economy in the future. The investment illustrates Governor Josh Shapiro's continued commitment to Pennsylvania's rural economy and conserving land, soil and water resources to feed future prosperity.

Shapiro Administration Awards More Than $390,000 to Grow PA Hemp Industry

06/15/2023
Today, Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding announced $392,265 in grants to three agriculture nonprofits to fund projects aimed at growing fiber and food hemp markets, sales, and awareness in Pennsylvania.

Shapiro Administration Celebrates the Senate Agriculture Committee’s Unanimous Vote to Protect Pennsylvanians and Their Pets with the Dog Law Modernization Bill

06/06/2023
Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding joined supporters in applauding Senator Elder Vogel and the Senate Agriculture Committee in unanimously voting to move the Dog Law Modernization Bill to consideration.

PA Ice Cream Trail Sweetens Summer with Record Number of Stops

06/06/2023
This summer, Pennsylvanians and visitors can beat the heat and get a sweet treat by visiting any of the 42 creameries that make up the 2023 Scooped: An Ice Cream Trail.

Shapiro Administration Convenes New Food Policy Council to Coordinate Strategic Solutions to Increase Food Security and Access for All Pennsylvanians

05/31/2023
Last week, the Shapiro Administration held the first meeting of the PA Food Policy Council, to evaluate and implement strategic, commonsense solutions to critical challenges facing Pennsylvania’s food system. The council, comprised of heads of eight state agencies and leaders 16 private-sector organizations, brings diverse expertise and perspectives from across the state together to work collaboratively to improve food and nutrition security, public health, environmental sustainability, local food systems, and to reduce food waste.

Shapiro Administration and The Bridge Eco-Village Host 325 Area K-12 Students for Hands-On Agriculture Career Inspiration

05/24/2023
Agriculture Deputy Secretary Lisa Graybeal and The Bridge Eco-Village Founder and CEO Garry Gilliam hosted 325 area K-12 students today for hands-on agriculture career inspiration and exploration at The Bridge Eco-Village in Harrisburg. Students learned plant and animal care as Gilliam lead them in a demonstration of climate-friendly, urban, community-based agriculture powered by solar energy, bees, and kid-assisted, gravity-powered rainwater irrigation in The Bridge’s stadium garden.

Shapiro Administration Calls for Grant Proposals to Boost Sales and Expand Export Markets for Pennsylvania Products

05/22/2023
Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding invites proposals for projects designed to boost domestic sales and exports of Pennsylvania agricultural products. The department plans to award up to $303,000 in matching funds to PA nonprofits to reimburse up to 50% of costs for promotional and educational projects intended to increase consumer awareness and sales or expand export markets. The amount available for grants will ultimately depend on the final 2023-24 budget.

Shapiro Administration to Hold Small Business Resource Fair in Darlington Township on May 17

05/15/2023
The Shapiro Administration will hold a Small Business Resource Fair on Wednesday, May 17, 2023 in Darlington Township, Beaver County. This is an opportunity for small businesses, farmers, and residents to receive the resources they need as they recover from the impacts of the Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio. The resource fair will be open from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

Russell Redding Confirmed to Serve as 27th PA Agriculture Secretary

05/10/2023
Today, the Pennsylvania Senate unanimously confirmed Russell Redding to serve as Pennsylvania’s 27th Secretary of Agriculture. Governor Josh Shapiro nominated Redding, who previously served as Agriculture Secretary under Governors Tom Wolf and Ed Rendell.

Agriculture Department Warns Consumers to Discard ‘A Joy’ Brand Contaminated Raw Milk Products Sold in Susquehanna County

05/05/2023
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture warns that consumers should immediately discard “A Joy” brand raw milk products sold in Susquehanna County. Tests following a report of potential bacteria contamination confirmed the presence of listeria monocytogenes bacteria in half gallon and gallon plastic jugs at the A Joy Farm store at 21 Lalor Lane in Little Meadows, Susquehanna County.

Shapiro Administration Invites Applications for PA Farm Bill-Funded Grants to Boost Local Meat, Poultry Supply

04/28/2023
Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding today called for applications for $500,000 in PA Farm Bill-funded grants aimed at increasing locally produced meat and poultry in the state. Very Small Meat and Poultry Processor Reimbursement Grants help small businesses start up or expand and meet USDA food safety requirements.

Shapiro Administration Invites Proposals for $2.187 Million for Research Critical to Growing Pennsylvania Agriculture Industry

04/21/2023
Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding today called for research proposals on issues critical to sustaining and growing Pennsylvania’s $132.5 billion agriculture industry. In his 2023-’24 budget, Governor Josh Shapiro proposed $2.187 million to address complex challenges from reducing impacts of climate change and measuring soil and water conservation, to tackling emerging animal diseases, to meeting demand for bio-based fuels and plastics.

Shapiro Administration Invests $5 Million to Protect 22 Farms, 2,038 Acres in 13 Counties from Future Development

04/14/2023
The Shapiro Administration announced today that Pennsylvania protected 2,038 acres on 22 farms in 13 counties from future residential or commercial development. The investment of nearly $5 million in state, county, and local dollars preserves prime farmland for the future, helping Pennsylvania farms continue feeding our families and our economy. The investment illustrates Governor Josh Shapiro’s continued commitment to Pennsylvania’s rural economy and conserving our farmland, soil and water resources to feed future prosperity.

Shapiro Administration Invites Foodbanks, Pantries to Apply for $1.6 Million in Funding to Expand Emergency Food Access

04/10/2023
Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding today invited qualified food banks, pantries, shelters, and soup kitchens that offer emergency food assistance to apply for $1.6 million in The Emergency Food Assistance (TEFAP) Reach and Resiliency Grants. The grants are just one element Governor Josh Shapiro’s Administration’s commitment to increasing food security and access to healthy food for children and families across Pennsylvania, wherever they live.

PennDOT Announces New License Plates to Help Grow and Sustain Plants and Pollinators

04/06/2023
Today, The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced that thanks to recently passed legislation vehicle owners will now be able to purchase a ‘Pollinator’ license plate. Sixty-five percent of the proceeds from the license plate will be deposited into the Pollinator Habitat Program Fund. The Pollinator Habitat Program Fund is dedicated to supporting ongoing efforts to reinvigorate the populations of insects which pollinate plant life.

Shapiro Administration Invites Applicants for $500,000 in PA Farm Bill Grants to Strengthen Child Nutrition, Hands-on Ag Education

04/03/2023
Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding today invited schools and childhood education centers to apply for up to $15,000 per school through PA Farm Bill Farm-to-School Grants. Governor Josh Shapiro’s budget continues this critical investment in child nutrition and growing tomorrow’s agriculture workforce – committing $500,000 for a fifth year to the program, which has awarded more than $1.8 million to 179 projects in 45 counties.

Shapiro Administration Begins Roll-out of Clean Streams Fund Program to Build Healthier Soil, Cleaner Water, Farm Viability

03/31/2023
Yesterday, Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding visited Matthew and Samantha Stahlnecker’s Lycoming County farm to announce the first funding rolling out under the new, $154 million Agricultural Conservation Assistance Program (ACAP). Governor Shapiro made it clear in his budget address that he understands the significant role of our farmers in Pennsylvania’s vitality. His words are matched by his proposals for investments that will grow and strengthen agriculture and the commonwealth through commonsense solutions. This announcement builds on the Administration’s commitment.
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