North Central PA Times

In Turbotville, Pennsylvania, Representative Michael Stender, representing Northumberland and Montour, together with the House Republican Policy Committee, led by Chairman Josh Kail, convened a hearing to address concerns regarding the state's agricultural sector. The event centered on the purported obstacles posed by Pennsylvania's permitting processes on agricultural opportunities.

The hearing, titled "Removing Obstacles to Opportunity: Pennsylvania Agriculture," featured testimonies from William Fink, facilities manager at Country View Family Farms; Adam Pritts, owner of Laurel Hill Trout Farm; Grant Gulibon, regulatory affairs specialist at the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau; and Robert Garrett, president and CEO of the Greater Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Representative Stender emphasized the significance of agriculture to both the state and the nation, stating, "The agriculture industry is the backbone of Pennsylvania, and the work our farmers complete daily supplies resources for Pennsylvanians and also helps the entire country." He expressed concerns over the current permitting and regulatory requirements, stating, "There should not be unnecessary permitting and regulations that could hinder their work."

The overarching sentiment from the testifiers was the urgent need for a streamlined permitting pathway. They voiced concerns that without improvements, agricultural businesses might relocate to states like Virginia and Ohio, where the permitting process is perceived as more efficient.

Addressing the situation, Chairman Kail remarked, "There is a culture within some Pennsylvania state agencies that is not helpful. Permitting doesn’t become a major issue unless it’s something people are talking about. Well, people are talking about it." He warned of the economic repercussions, noting, "The governor knows that people are angry about the permitting process in Pennsylvania. This is costing us jobs and growth. It’s costing Pennsylvania a thriving future."