PENNSYLVANIA — In response to growing concerns within the community, Rep. Michael Stender (R-Northumberland/Montour) and the House Republican Policy Committee convened a hearing to discuss opportunities missed in Pennsylvania agriculture due to the commonwealth’s burdensome permitting processes.

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

“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,” said Stender. “There should not be unnecessary permitting and regulations that could hinder their work.”

Testifiers agreed that a clear pathway to obtaining a permit for the agriculture industry is desperately needed. Unless the permitting process is streamlined, businesses are at risk of moving to other states, such as Virginia and Ohio.

“There is a culture within some Pennsylvania state agencies that is not helpful,” said committee chairman Josh Kail (R-Beaver/Washington). “Permitting doesn’t become a major issue unless it’s something people are talking about. Well, people are talking about it. 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.”

To watch the complete hearing, visit www.pagoppolicy.com/video/policy.