USDA asked to support agriculture in Pennsylvania

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has been asked to formulate a plan that would support a plan to support Pennsylvania’s agriculture sector.

The plea was made by Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf in a letter to USDA Secretary Sonny Purdue on Wednesday.

In his letter, Wolf asks for a plan that would support agriculture producers, food processors, workers and local food systems, regardless of size of operation.

He also called for the $9.5 billion in the CARES Act to be distributed at Purdue's discretion across dairy, livestock, specialty crop sectors, horticulture and restaurants.

Wolf says the funds have the potential to ensure that the Commonwealth remains a national leader in agriculture.

“We need Secretary Perdue to publish a plan that includes resources, guidance, and protection for the industry that is working to provide for Pennsylvanians and Americans despite the risk, stress, and uncertainty of our current pandemic,” said Wolf.

“Pennsylvania’s farm families are working hard to sustain life; we need immediate federal action to sustain agriculture because every day, we rely on it.