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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 Announces Long-Term Presence in Darlington Township as Part of Its Commitment to Residents Affected by Norfolk Southern Train Derailment

03/20/2023
The Department of Health Resource Center will continue operations in Beaver County and the Departments of Environmental Protection and Agriculture will continue to assist residents and answer their questions.

Governor Shapiro’s Budget Spurs Innovation, Expands Opportunity, Grows Future of Pennsylvania Agriculture

03/09/2023
Governor Josh Shapiro’s budget proposal for the 2023-24 fiscal year makes critical investments in the future of Pennsylvania agriculture through funding to protect valuable farmland, furthering agriculture emergency preparedness and response, expanding fresh food resources, and increasing access to education.

Top-Performing Bulls to Sell in 50th Pennsylvania Livestock Evaluation Center Auction; Grants Available for PA Beef Producers

03/01/2023
Beef producers will have an opportunity to buy some of the best genetics in the Northeast during the annual PA Performance-Tested Bull Sale at Pennsylvania's Livestock Evaluation Center in Pennsylvania Furnace in Centre County on Friday, March 31 at noon. Pennsylvania beef producers can apply for $1,000 grants from the state-supported Center for Beef Excellence to help finance purchase of a bull.

Department of Agriculture Adds Six Counties to Pennsylvania’s Spotted Lanternfly Quarantine, Announces Grants and Actions to Help Slow the Spread

02/24/2023
Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding today announced that six counties have been added to Pennsylvania’s spotted lanternfly quarantine zone ahead of the 2023 spring hatch. With this addition, the quarantine for this invasive pest now includes 51 counties.

Pennsylvania Protects 32 Farms, 3,047 Acres in 21 Counties from Future Development

02/24/2023
The Shapiro Administration announced today that Pennsylvania protected 3,047 acres on 32 farms in 21 counties from future residential or commercial development. The investment of more than $10 million in state, county, and local dollars preserves prime farmland for the future, helping Pennsylvania farms continue to feed our families and our economy. Today’s announcement builds on Governor’s Shapiro continued commitment to the Commonwealth’s agriculture industry and our rural communities.

The Shapiro Administration Announces Expanded Funding to Grow Farm Businesses

02/21/2023

Agriculture Secretary Provides Update on Animal Health Concerns Following East Palestine Train Derailment

02/17/2023
Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding released the following statement on animal health concerns following the East Palestine train derailment: "Pennsylvanians' health and safety, as well as the safety of animals and the environment are the Shapiro Administration's top priority.

Pennsylvania Awarded $8.8 Million Funding Boost, Plus Performance-Based Increase for Low-Income Senior Nutrition Programs

02/01/2023
The Shapiro Administration announced today that the department received a more than $8.8 million increase in federal funding for food access for low-income seniors through the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program. Pennsylvania will receive more than 17.6% of $50 million in American Rescue Plan grants the USDA awarded to 47 states to boost each state's program in 2023 and 2024.

Shapiro Administration Awards $200,000 to Grow Hemp Industry; Invites Proposals for $392,000 in Grants

01/27/2023
Today, Acting Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding announced $200,000 in grants to three agriculture nonprofits to fund projects aimed at growing fiber and food hemp markets, sales and awareness in Pennsylvania. Redding also called for proposals from marketing and promotion non-profits for an additional $392,000 in grants to be awarded in March 2023.

Pennsylvania Poultry Owners Should Take Steps Now to Protect Flocks Against Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza

01/26/2023
As spring wild bird migration nears, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) Director Randy Padfield remind poultry owners to protect their flocks, and their neighbors' flocks, along with the commonwealth's economy, against highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) by remaining vigilant and reviewing and implementing strong biosecurity plans and practices.