PA Department of Agriculture Programs

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture encourages, protects and promotes agriculture and related industries throughout the commonwealth. As the leading industry in Pennsylvania, agriculture truly provides the foundation for the Keystone State.

Pennsylvania’s 59,000 farm families continue to be the stewards of over 7.7 million acres of farmland. With $4 billion in cash receipts annually from production agriculture, farmers and agribusinesses are the leading agricultural producers in the northeastern U.S. In addition to production agriculture, the industry also raises revenue and supplies jobs through support services such as food processing, marketing, transportation, and farm equipment. Pennsylvania is a significant exporter of food, agricultural, and forest products, exporting over $1.5 billion annually. In total, production agriculture and agribusiness contributes nearly $45 billion to Pennsylvania’s economy.

Pennsylvania:

•  Grows Safe, Nutritious and Affordable Food for Pennsylvania and the World
•  Preserves Farmland and Conserves Natural Resources for Future Generations
•  Improves Water and Air Quality through Nutrient Management
•  Maximizes Technology and Innovation to Grow the Economy
•  Educates People to be Life-long Learners