Banta Introduces Legislation to Support Farmers Facing Uncertainty in Severe Market Interruptions
ERIE COUNTY – To address a major market disruption impacting dozens of family farms along the Erie Grape Belt and support farmers facing these interruptions in the future, Rep. Jake Banta (R-Erie County) has introduced legislation that would source short-term funding for farmers in agricultural emergencies.
In March, Refresco, a global grape juice manufacturer, suddenly terminated its contracts with grape growers in the Lake Erie region with no prior notice. Affected farmers now have no market to sell acres worth of their grapes and are out tens of thousands of dollars this year.
“A severe market interruption like this is no different than a farm facing an invasive pest, contagious disease or a natural disaster,” said Banta, who owns and operates his own farm in the 4th Legislative District. “Right now, we don’t have any legislation at the state or federal level that can financially support farmers after this kind of agricultural emergency. I want to change that.”
House Bill 2521 would allow the Agricultural Business Development Center, an initiative by the Department of Agriculture to enhance the longevity and success of Pennsylvania farms, to deploy short-term funding for a wider variety of agricultural emergencies, including severe and unforeseen market interruptions. Funding would allow farmers and growers to establish new markets while navigating changes in the current one.
“Market interruptions, especially in rural areas like ours, go beyond the buyer and seller. It impacts our regional economy,” said Banta. “Agriculture is the pride of Pennsylvania, and these situations harm our statewide industry. My goal with this legislation is to support all farms currently in markets and give future generations of growers the confidence to explore commercial selling.”
Representative Jake Banta
4th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Lindsey Cook
Lcook@pahousegop.com | 717-772-9833