Agriculture

The Wayne County Commissioners withdrew its application to build two controversial projects in Cherry Ridge Township with plans to file a separate application through the township’s zoning hearing board. Its co-applicant, the YMCA of Wayne County, is moving forward with its conditional use application.

Tensions ran high during a recent third hearing over a proposal for a YMCA and Agricultural Innovation Center held before the Cherry Ridge Township Supervisors.

The Cherry Ridge Township Supervisors' hearing over a proposed 40-acre YMCA and Agricultural Innovation Center project in Wayne County continues with its third session this evening.

With cups of whole milk, Elk Lake leaders toasted Arden Tewksbury, who has served on the board for 64 years — longer than anyone else on an unpaid school board in the United States.

U.S. Rep. Rob Bresnahan promoted legislation to support food banks, farmers and lay the groundwork for the next nationwide Farm Bill at a press event in Franklin Township, near Dallas.

Gov. Josh Shapiro sued the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) over the termination of a $13 million food assistance contract in the wake of looming food stamp cuts and mounting losses to charitable food programs.

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture notified local governments and agencies last week that the federal government is holding back money appropriated for the vouchers, which means fewer recipients will get vouchers and their distribution has been delayed.

Gov. Josh Shapiro promised to fight cuts to rural healthcare, avian influenza and agricultural programs during a visit to an eighth-generation potato farm in Sacramento, Pa.

Pennsylvania was set to receive $13 million over three years to purchase fresh produce for communities in need. That funding was blocked by the Trump Administration last month. But some farmers say the Local Food Purchasing Assistance (LFPA) program was deeply flawed and didn’t meet local needs.

Gov. Josh Shapiro announced significant boosts to agriculture spending in his 2025/26 budget. Farmers will reap the benefits of that boost.