Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture

The meeting included an opportunity for public comment and agency updates from organizations participating in the Commission, such as NRCS, DCNR, DEP, Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences, Cooperative Extension, PACD, DCED, and PDA. Key discussions focused on proposed changes for the Fiscal Year 2026 Resource Enhancement and Protection Program (REAP), including incentives for farmers to establish riparian forested buffers and prioritization for certified farms. The commission also reviewed the near-complete draft administrative manual update for the Ag Conservation Assistance Program (ACAP) and discussed drafting amendments to the 2004 SCC Fee Policy regarding the renaming of Chapter 102 'plan review' fees to service fees to align with the SPEED Act implementation. Finally, the commission addressed seeking audit due date extensions for Northampton and Perry County Conservation Districts.

The State Agricultural Land Preservation Board meeting agenda included the review of minutes and financials, discussion on the Annual Spending Threshold, and proceedings related to Land Trust Reimbursements. Key operational items involved County Program Changes, County Program Recertifications, Subdivision Requests, and Easement Purchases, specifically noting several proposed land acquisitions and associated financial transactions with various landowners across multiple counties. The agenda also covered Reimbursement for Incidental Costs of County Owned Easements and Reimbursement of Extra Incidental Costs, along with legislative, agency, and bureau updates, and a public comments session.

This strategic plan aims to advance Pennsylvania's forest and wood products industry by addressing challenges such as workforce shortages, declining markets for low-grade wood, and supply chain weaknesses. It is structured around four priorities: Capturing Emerging Market Opportunities, Building the Talent Pipeline, Expanding Trade Within the Forest and Wood Products Industry, and Addressing Weaknesses in the Supply Chain. The plan seeks to secure the industry's future and maintain Pennsylvania's leadership in sustainable materials and rural economic development through coordinated investment and shared accountability.

The board meeting agenda included welcome and introductions by the Chair. New business focused on the review of draft Request for Proposals (RFPs), including a presentation from Bull Moose Marketing regarding two 2025-2026 projects which were subsequently approved for funding. These projects included a Statewide Marketing Campaign and Market Study Project, followed by a Q&A session with Bull Moose Marketing. The board also reviewed the 2027 RFP Scoring Matrix. The meeting concluded with other business, public comment, and adjournment.

This strategy provides a framework for collective impact across economic development, workforce, agriculture, and conservation partners to secure the future of Pennsylvania's forest and wood products industry. It is organized around four key priorities: capturing emerging market opportunities, building the talent pipeline, expanding trade within the forest and wood products industry, and addressing supply chain weaknesses. The plan aims to maintain leadership in sustainable materials and rural economic development.