Agriculture

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.

Spinach leaves are sprouting at Willow Wisp Organic Farm Damascus even as winter frost covers much of Northeast Pennsylvania.

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture reported today that several flocks of commercial poultry tested positive for bird flu in five different counties.

Gov. Josh Shapiro’s 2025-26 budget would more than double the state’s Ag Innovation Fund and open a fourth bird flu testing facility in Western Pennsylvania.

Besides food and fun, educational programming is a large part of the Pennsylvania Farm Show’s scheduling. An event about suicide prevention in agricultural communities highlighted resources for the community, as well as the unique stressors farmers face that make them vulnerable to mental health struggles.

Look for stories at wvia.org and listen to our live coverage on WVIA-FM during All Things Considered from 4 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday.