PA State Grange President Betsy Huber stated today that, “The Grange supports the Governor’s ‘ACRE’ Initiative, particularly the creation of the Agricultural Review Board and appropriate funding for the efforts.”

The Agriculture, Communities and Rural Environment initiative, or “ACRE,” balances the needs of farmers with the quality of life concerns of residents and the need to preserve the Commonwealth’s rural character and rural environment.

“The Agricultural Review Board is a new approach to resolve the issues brought up in House Bill 1222,” Huber said.  “The Grange is very concerned with the number of new local ordinances that are in direct violation of The Right to Farm Act being passed throughout the state restricting farmers.”  She went on to say that, “This Agricultural Review Board will resolve the disputes out of court and at no cost to either the farmer or the townships, which was a major concern of the Grange.  The idea of a formal board to negotiate a compromise over disputed local ordinances should be better for the entire rural community.”

The Board aims to bring divided rural communities together by creating a forum where farmers, municipalities and residents can talk through and amicably resolve their differences.  Instead of forcing the two sides to square off against each other in lawsuits where one side wins and the other side loses, the review board promotes cooperation – an approach that removes the costly burden of litigation and minimizes actions that can polarize rural communities.

Overall, as much as $13 million in new and existing resources will be available for enhanced environmental protection on farms, including elements of this initiative.  Agriculture is committing $580,000 for the plan and upon passage of the legislative priorities of ACRE, DEP will redirect $500,000 in resources and staff to focus on enforcement of the Nutrient Management Act and provide technical assistance to farmers.

Huber also stated that, “Agriculture also committed $438,000 for odor research, and another $20,000 to design the best management practices matrix for odor management and assist farmers expanding operations with implementing these techniques.”

“These Odor Best Management Practices and stronger nutrient management regulations are another example of agriculture being proactive, voluntarily going above and beyond EPA requirements to be good stewards of our land and environmental resources,” said Huber.

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. The National Grange (Patrons of Husbandry) began in 1867.