Pennsylvania is the 32nd largest state with 29.5 million acres of land. Because Pennsylvania is the home to CEG, we care deeply about its environmental protection. On June 7th, Russel Redding, the Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture, made a huge announcement. Pennsylvania has successfully safeguarded the 550,000th acre of farmland. This is a huge milestone for the both keystone state’s environment and economy.

Since its founding in 1681, Pennsylvania has played a huge role in the agriculture industry. Pennsylvania has many areas of enriched soil which is crucial to agricultural success. The biggest Pennsylvanian cash crop today is mushrooms with 425 million pounds produced per year. Pennsylvania is also the third in concord grape production and fourth in corn production. Moreover, Pennsylvania nationally contributes to livestock production, including cow’s milk for ice cream and frozen desserts (yummy).

Pennsylvania’s state government has implemented several environmental policies to regulate and sustain the area. Tom Wolf has aided state funding for farmland preservation, which has increased by 45% since 2015. The following are some of the major contributions to Pennsylvania’s agricultural sustainability:

• Pennsylvania Egg Quality Assurance Program
• Bureau of Animal Health and Diagnostic Services
• Pennsylvania Animal Diagnostic Laboratory System
• Chesapeake Bay Watershed Implementation Plan
• Backyard & Commercial Flock Plans
• Farmers Market Nutrition Program

As the list continues to grow, Pennsylvania’s adherence to environmental protection will only strengthen. Secretary Redding stated, “By investing our energy and resources in protecting Pennsylvania’s farmland, we are not simply investing in commodities; we’re investing in people and the future of agriculture and our ability to grow food.” The future seems bright for Pennsylvanian agriculture.

CEDARVILLE Engineering Group, LLC (CEG) supports Pennsylvania’s local and state municipalities to ensure environmental sustainability. Call us at 610-705-4500 or email info@cedarvilleeng.com to find out more.

By: J. Auerbach