Brenda Shambaugh, Legislative Director for the PA State Grange, sent letters to all members of the House and Senate today, informing them of the Grange’s three priority budgetary items on their agenda.

In her letter she states, “The first [budget priority] is funding for the Animal Health Commission to combat outbreaks of animal disease.”  She went on to explain that, “Animal disease outbreaks are a constant threat to the agricultural industry and have the potential to threaten human health as well.”  The Grange believes that a new Animal Health Emergency Response Program should be initiated to increase surveillance and reduce reaction time when an outbreak is suspected.  They are suggesting that the Animal Health Commission line item be increased from $4.25 million to $7.24 million to be distributed among the tri-laboratories within the PADLS system.

“The second area of concern,” her letter continues, “is crop insurance, which has become a vital part of farm management.”  She said that, “Last year this premier program spent $1.2 million to supplement crop insurance.  The funding covered approximately 3% of the growers’ premium.  However, in the last 3 previous years, the Department was able to cover 10% of the participants’ premiums.”  The Grange suggests that, “The Commonwealth needs to maintain a viable crop insurance program.” As a result, “The Grange recommends an additional $2 million to continue this needed farm tool,” for a total line item of $3 million.

“The final [budget] priority for the Grange,” she continues, “is economic development.”  The Grange is recommending a $1.2 million new line item to develop and implement a program specifically geared toward economic development as it relates to agriculture.  Ms. Shambaugh stated, “Included in this line item should be funding to hire an agricultural economic development specialist and a grant writer specialist…” to be responsible for bringing private and federal money to the Department.  

The Grange is a family fraternal organization dedicated to the betterment of rural America through community service, education, legislation and fellowship.  It is the oldest agricultural organization of its kind in the United States.