State lawmakers, agriculture officials and industry stakeholders discussed challenges facing Pennsylvania farmers during a Senate Democratic Policy Committee hearing focused on the future of the state’s agricultural industry.

The hearing, hosted by Sen. Nick Miller, D-14th, alongside Sens. Judy Schwank, D-11th, and James Malone, D-36th, examined current support programs and potential policy solutions as farmers contend with rising costs, labor shortages, animal disease concerns and severe weather impacts. “Pennsylvania farmers are facing growing challenges, from rising costs and unpredictable weather to a shrinking pipeline of young farmers,” Miller said. “We must act now to ensure agriculture remains a cornerstone of our commonwealth.”

Schwank said the hearing provided lawmakers with insight into the current conditions affecting the state’s agricultural sector.

“Every single one of us depends on our farmers and our agriculture sector to provide us with the foods and products we need to go about our daily lives,” Schwank said.

Malone, who grew up on a farm, said testimony highlighted concerns about rising fuel, fertilizer and seed costs, while also emphasizing the importance of programs that help farmers address challenges such as bird flu and access low-interest loans.

Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding testified that a combination of climate-related disasters, inflation, federal policy changes and global events has created difficult conditions for farmers and the state’s food system.

“Every farmer is doing math right now, and this year the numbers are harder than they should be,” Redding said.

Among those testifying was Noah Erwin, associate director for policy at Pasa Sustainable Agriculture, who advocated for policies that improve farmland access for younger farmers. Erwin noted that while Pennsylvania leads the nation in the percentage of farmers younger than 35, purchasing or leasing farmland remains increasingly difficult in many areas.

Erwin also urged lawmakers to consider legislation allowing all workers to obtain driver’s licenses, arguing it would benefit farms and strengthen the food supply chain.

Matt Espenshade, president of the Pennsylvania State Grange and a Lancaster County dairy farmer, said agriculture continues to play a major role in Pennsylvania’s economy but many farms face financial uncertainty because of volatile commodity prices, rising operating costs and workforce shortages.

Espenshade also highlighted the impact of Chobani’s planned $1.2 billion investment in Pennsylvania, which is expected to create more than 900 jobs and significantly increase demand for Pennsylvania-produced milk.

According to Espenshade, the project could require more than 3 billion pounds of Pennsylvania milk annually when operating at full capacity, creating opportunities for dairy producers statewide.

Organizations represented during the hearing included the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Pasa Sustainable Agriculture, Penn Ag Industries, the Pennsylvania State Grange and Conoy Township farmer Duane Swanger.