House. Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee
Dates
- Existence: 1977 - Present
biographical statement
The Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee has been a longstanding committee in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. First known as Agriculture (1819 - 1947.) The committee name changed form to Agriculture and Dairy Industries (1947 - 1974.) The committee name changed from back to Agriculture (1975 - 1976.) And settled on its current form Agriculture and Rural Affairs in 1977.
This committee regularly focuses on the following issues: the preservation of farmland and open space, emergency drought relief, irrigation and other types of agricultural technology, providing grants and low interest loans for farmers for specific improvement purposes, export trade, farm animals and products, pollution and pesticides. In addition to these recurring subjects, many other topics were covered as this committee responded to the changing times. These include responses to specific climatic conditions, such as emergency drought relief legislation, or responses to new technology, including aquacultural products. This committee has also shown a willingness to address contemporary issues and concerns. These include the following topics: developing an octane testing program (addressed as early as 1991), addressing seasonal farm labor, setting standards on food sale, including mandatory product labeling and kennel regulation.
This committee regularly attends Ag Progress Days at Penn State College in August to view the latest advances in agricultural technology and discuss current concerns of farmers, researchers and leaders in the agricultural industry. Hearings are held regularly to ascertain the general public’s views on certain issues of importance to the Commonwealth.
Citation:
Author: HCMFound in 24 Collections and/or Records:
Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, 1977-1978
The 1977-1978 Argiculture and Rural Affairs Committee was chaired by Paul J. Yahner (D).The Vice-Chairman was Samuel W. Morris (D) and the Secretary was William O. Shuman (D). Jack Grey served as Research Analyst for the committee.
Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, 1979-1980
The 1979-1980 Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee was chaired by Reno Thomas (R). The Vice Chairman was Noah W. Wenger (R). The Secretary was Harry Bowser (R).
Some of the topics discussed during the 1979-1980 session were the Milk Producers Security Fund, sale of cattle, hogs, and sheep, agricultural land use, noxious plants, and Christmas trees.
Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, 1981-1982
The 1981-1982 session of the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee was chaired by Republican Joseph V. Grieco (Majority). The Vice-Chairman was Republican Noah W. Wenger (Majority). The Secretary was Republican Merle H. Phillips (Majority).
Topics such as grants to farmers following poor weather, fair agriculture prices, Noxious Weed, and dog regulations were discussed. There was also a public hearing concerning agricultural marketing.
Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, 1983-1984
Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, 1985-1986
Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, 1987-1988
The records of the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee from the 1987-1988 Session, the Democrats in majority. Samuel W. Morris served as majority Chair with Carmel Sirianni serving as minority Chair. The Vice Chairs were Ruth C. Rudy (majority) and Paul Wass (minority). The Secretary was William E. Baldwin (majority).
Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, 1991-1992
The 1991-1992 session of the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee was chaired by Democrat Kenneth J. Cole of the Majority. Ruth C. Rudy (Majority) served as Vice Chair while Andrew Billow Jr. (Majority) served as Secretary.
Republican Jess M. Stairs served as Minority Chair while Arthur D. Hershey served as Minority Vice Chair. There was no Minority Secretary.
Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, 1993-1994
The records of the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee from the 1993-1994 session, the Democrats in majority. The Chairs were William R. Lloyd, Jr. (Majority) and Bruce I. Smith, Jr. (Minority). The Vice Chairs were Ruth Corman Rudy (Majority) and Arthur D. Hershey (Minority). The Secretary was Sara Gerling Steelman (Majority).
Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, 1995-1996
The records of the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee from the 1995-1996 session, the Republicans in majority. The Chairs were Raymond Bunt (Majority) and William R. Lloyd (Minority). The Vice Chairs were Arthur D. Hershey (Majority) and Ruth C. Rudy (Minority). The Secretary was Sandra Major (Majority).
Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, 1997-1998
The records of the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee from the 1997-1998 session, the Republicans in majority. The Chairs were Raymond Bunt, Jr. (Majority) and Italo S. Cappabianca (Minority). The Vice Chairs were Edward H. Krebs (Majority) and Sara G. Steelman (Minority). The Secretaries were Sandra Major (Majority) and Michael K. Hanna (Minority).