Celebrating PA's Agricultural Leadership

Pennsylvania honored its rich agricultural roots and helped kick off America250 earlier this month at the Pennsylvania Farm Show—an annual, week-long celebration of the Commonwealth’s No. 1 industry, which generates more than $132 billion each year and supports nearly 600,000 jobs statewide. The PA Chamber team was active at the Farm Show throughout the week, engaging with elected officials and celebrating its agricultural members who contribute significantly to the Commonwealth’s economy and culture.

Held January 10–17 at the Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg, the event brought together farmers, producers, innovators, and families from across the Commonwealth to celebrate the Pennsylvania‑made products that fuel local economies. This year’s Farm Show recognized the start of America250 by paying tribute to Pennsylvania’s foundational role in the nation’s history and its continued leadership in agriculture.

Visitors enjoyed the Farm Show’s famous food court; explored exhibits offering hands-on learning and shopping opportunities; viewed the signature butter sculpture—designed to reflect the nation’s sesquicentennial theme and honor both our founders and our farmers; and attended a week of demonstrations, competitions, and educational events.

PA Chamber President and CEO Luke Bernstein joined PennAg Executive Vice President Chris Herr in welcoming U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins to the Farm Show. During her visit, Secretary Rollins met with agriculture leaders and elected officials, including members of Pennsylvania’s congressional delegation, members of the General Assembly, and Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding. She also held a press conference and toured the Show’s exhibits.

In an interview with CBS 21, Bernstein highlighted agriculture’s central role in Pennsylvania’s economy and praised the Farm Show as a powerful reminder of the people and businesses that keep the industry strong.

“The agriculture industry and sector in Pennsylvania generates $132 billion in terms of our economy. So, if you put that in comparison, that is greater than the entire size of New Mexico’s economy,” Bernstein said. “We have just over six million total jobs. Half a million are supported by agriculture—over 300,000 directly. And so, when you look at it from an economic standpoint, it continues to be a dominant force in Pennsylvania.”

The PA Chamber Government Affairs team attended the annual Public Officials Luncheon, which included policy discussions ranging from international trade, workforce development, and improvements to the state’s tax code.

Bernstein even participated in several competitions — placing fifth in the Celebrity Feed Scurry Event and third in the Celebrity Cow Milking Contest!

As we honor our nation’s 250^th anniversary and the 110^th Farm Show, it’s a time to reflect on the achievements of the hard-working men and women in agriculture. From the producers who grow and raise our food, to urban farmers cultivating rooftop crops, to agri‑tourism destinations like craft breweries and farm‑to‑table restaurants, Pennsylvania’s agricultural landscape is diverse and dynamic. Multi‑generational agricultural professionals continue to blend traditional practices with innovative technologies, while conservation efforts strengthen operations and secure Pennsylvania’s place as a global leader. There is much to honor—and much to look forward to—as we move toward a strong agricultural future.

The PA Chamber is proud to advocate for the growth and success of this essential industry. We extend our gratitude to the dozens of member companies operating in the agricultural sector for the tremendous contributions they make to Pennsylvania.

PA Chamber Investor Members

Abarta

AGC Chemicals Americas

Cleveland Brothers Equipment Company

Curtze Foods

D.G. Yuengling & Son, Inc.