Congressman Charlie Dent, R-15th, was recently honored with a Friend of the Farm Bureau Award for consistently voting in favor of the farming community.

"The award recognizes those members of congress who support policies that help farmers obtain profitability with less regulatory interference and increase demand for U.S. products through new uses and enhanced trade opportunities," Arland Schantz, governmental relations director for the Lehigh County Farm Bureau, explained.

Schantz said the voting records are based on American Farm Bureau Federation priority issues, as determined by its board of directors.

He said Dent's agricultural background helps him relate to agricultural issues better than many other elected officials.

"It is always good we can do this, knowing that we have cooperation at the federal level," Schantz said.

Sonia Fink of the Lehigh County Farm Bureau also commented on Dent's contributions to the farming community.

"It is always good to know our congressman is willing to listen to us," Fink said. "He understands the importance of agriculture in his district."

Dent thanked farm bureau members for the award.

"It is a great honor to receive recognition from the farm bureau," Dent said. "Farming is Pennsylvania's largest industry and we have an obligation to support and nurture production of agriculture."