Leaders discuss agriculture industry, CARES Act during second annual Agriculture Summit

Leaders in congress and the agriculture industry came together for the second annual agriculture summit hosted Congressman Glenn Thompson at Mount Aloysius College in Cambria County.

Due to coronavirus concerns, the summit was hosted via Zoom. But the new format didn't stop officials from discussing the multitude of ways the state has stepped up to support farmers.

"We are trying to take advantage of the rediscovery of local foods and agriculture that has occurred. So we want to help you and pick up with the promotions. We want to reengage on PA preferred and make those connections to local markets," said Pennsylvania's Department of Agriculture secretary, Russel Redding.

With the coronavirus pandemic hitting the agriculture industry hard, the CARES Act allocated $50 million to agriculture, and specifically gave $15 million of it to the dairy industry. But even with the large amount of grants, questions are still swirling if there will be additional help.

"I'm hoping I was really pleased with what we've been able to put together for the CARES 2.0 proposal, it was an additional $20 million for agriculture commodities," said Congressman Glenn Thompson.

Farmers in our region recognize without the help of these grants, some farms could have disappeared.

"Without you a lot of us wouldn't survive. And you always have an open ear to the farm community trying to understand our needs. We appreciate the response that all of you have given us during this COVID time," said Pennsylvania Farm Bureau president, Rick Ebert.