VIDEO: Following a Capitol news conference, Senator Michele Brooks discusses a package of bills passed by the Senate in recognition of the tremendous contributions of Pennsylvania’s agriculture community to the state’s economy and heritage, and to ensure farming operations remain an important part of the state’s future.
The seven bills in the “Farming First” package are focused on helping Pennsylvania agricultural operations remain competitive and profitable for current and future generations of farmers. Bills in the package that were passed by the Senate today include:
•A tax credit program for landowners to lease or sell farmland to future generations of farmers.
*The creation of the Pennsylvania Dairy Future Commission to bring together all stakeholders in the industry.
*Changes to the state’s farmland preservation program to allow farmers more flexibility for building or subdividing residences.
*Updating Pennsylvania’s Vehicle Code to allow the transportation of large farm equipment.
*Exempting milk haulers from weather-related travel bans.
*Easing restrictions on the use of farmland for farm-related tourism and entertainment activities.
*Setting commonsense safety standards and removing costly requirements for barn weddings and other social events on farms.