How to make farming more stable? The Senate has seven ideas.

'One of the reasons why young people aren't going into it is, they can't make a dollar, can't make a living.'

• Katie Meyer
  BioRecent Stories

  

  Katie Meyer was WITF’s Capitol Bureau Chief from 2016-2020. While at WITF, she covered all things state politics for public radio stations throughout Pennsylvania. Katie came to Harrisburg by way of New York City, where she worked at Fordham University’s public radio station, WFUV, as an anchor, general assignment reporter, and co-host of an original podcast. A 2016 graduate of Fordham, she earned several awards for her work at WFUV, including four 2016 Gracies.
  
  Katie is a native New Yorker, though she originally hails from Troy, a little farther up the Hudson River. She can attest that the bagels are still pretty good there.
  
  WITF's Capitol Bureau Chief Desk is partially funded through generous gifts made in the memory of Tony May through the Anthony J. May Memorial Fund.
  
  For more information about Tony May, click here.

 Katie Meyer / WITF

A group of state Senators touts passage of a package of bills aimed at helping farmers.

(Harrisburg) — The state Senate has passed a package of bills aimed at helping Pennsylvania’s farmers turn a profit in a changing industry.

Senate Republican Leader Jake Corman said the chamber is trying to acknowledging a basic reality.

“The young people are not going into it at the level they used to, so it’s a very aging industry,” he said. “And profitability issues. One of the reasons why young people aren’t going into it is, they can’t make a dollar, can’t make a living.”

One of the proposed bills would give tax credits to beginning farmers.

Two are aimed at helping farmers bring in tourist revenue–one would allow them to set up tourist attractions on preserved farmland, and the other would remove some safety requirements for barn weddings.

Another would let milk haulers drive during weather emergencies. One would let bigger farm vehicles on roads. Others create a dairy policy commission and try to make it easier to hand down land.

Governor Tom Wolf has also pitched a farm plan, which includes some financial investment.

Senator GOP Leader Jake Corman said he’s not focused on it yet.

“When we get some details about his proposal, we’d be happy to address them,” he said. “If they’re good for agriculture, we’re going to support them.”

A spokesman for Governor Tom Wolf said he’s open to working on most of the Senate’s measures, but opposes letting milk trucks on roads during emergencies.

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