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.