Takac-sponsored bill to create Agriculture Innovation Fund clears PA House committee
Rep. Paul Takac June 3, 2024 | 3:58 PM
HARRISBURG, June 3 – In a move that would help propel Pennsylvania agriculture into the future, the Pennsylvania House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee cleared H.B. 2310, according to the legislation’s sponsor, state Rep. Paul Takac.
Takac said the bill, which was reported out of the House committee with bipartisan support, would provide farmers and agribusinesses with grant opportunities, via a newly created Agriculture Innovation Fund, to adopt new technologies, increase efficiency, and promote sustainability and environmental benefits.
Takac emphasized that this legislation strikes a balance between creating clear guidelines and not defining innovation too narrowly. This program would allow Pennsylvania farmers to adopt new technology and best practices now, with a keen eye toward the future as rapidly developing technologies become more readily available and accessible.
“Pennsylvania farmers and food processors have a long history of embracing new technologies and best practices to both improve their conservation stewardship and create resiliency in their businesses. What were once revolutionary practices - such as no-till planting and cover crops - are now widely adopted and benefit both farms and the environment,” Takac said.
“In an era where agricultural research and innovation is rapidly accelerating - including the use of drones, augmented reality and even artificial intelligence - Pennsylvania farmers and businesses need to stay up-to-date, especially given the critical importance of agriculture to our Commonwealth.
“Establishing the Agriculture Innovation Fund is a commonsense proposal that would provide grants to farmers, agriculture technical service providers, cooperatives and processing companies to adopt innovative practices and technology that will make them more efficient, profitable and sustainable, while also benefitting the environment and climate.
“Having this bill reported out of committee is an essential first step, and I am eager to continue advocating for this crucial initiative throughout the legislative and budget process. Our farmers merit the finest, and the creation of this fund would offer them an additional resource in their arsenal,” Takac added.
The bill now heads to the full Pennsylvania House for consideration.