HARRISBURG – Sen. Tracy Pennycuick (R-24), Chair of the Senate Communications and Technology Committee and Sen. Elder Vogel Jr. (R-47), Chair of the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee held a Town Hall on Wednesday, January 8, to highlight new innovation in Pennsylvania’s agricultural sector.
The discussion was held at the Farm Show complex and included conversations with state Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding, Penn State University Agricultural Sciences Dean Troy Ott, among other farmers highlighting technological advancements in agribusiness.
“Today’s Town Hall showcased some of the most unique and exciting things happening in Pennsylvania agriculture,” said Sen. Elder Vogel, Jr. “As we embrace and utilize technology on our farms, and throughout the industry, there’s no doubt that Pennsylvania will continue to be a leader in innovation and set the standard for other states to follow.”
Sen. Pennycuick noted that “we are living through one of the fastest periods of technological advancement in modern history, and seeing how innovators right here in Pennsylvania are applying these new technologies in their businesses is fascinating.” She added, “while buzzwords, like AI, dominate conversations about innovation, the real impact comes from the individuals who take these concepts and turn them into practical applications, creating real results, real efficiencies, and meaningful progress.”
Secretary Redding highlighted the state agricultural innovation fund approved in last year’s budget to provide $10 million to assist agribusinesses that use technology to enhance food production.
Troy Ott, the dean of Penn State University’s College of Agricultural Sciences noted that technological advances will allow the state to better assist farmers. He said his students are demanding more information and training about how new technologies can rethink farming.
Daniel Dotterer, an eighth-generation farmer from Clinton County echoed support for the agricultural innovation fund. In addition, he said that the lack of large animal veterinary services is being partially addressed on his farm with virtual vet visits and the help of an augmented reality headset.
Daniel Foy, the CEO of AgriGates, discussed cybersecurity solutions to protect the data of Pennsylvania farmers. Foy noted that 63% of all agritech comes from outside the United States. He added that we need to do more to support our research and protect our intellectual property.
Paul Nickerson, VP of Applied Sciences at INTAG, discussed his company’s return to Pennsylvania and expressed optimism about the future of agritech in the Commonwealth while explaining some of the obstacles the business has faced.
View the entire hearing here.
CONTACT:
Matt Szuchyt (Sen. Pennycuick)
(215) 541-2388
mszuchyt@pasen.gov
Lily Guthrie (Sen. Vogel)
(717) 787-3076
lguthrie@pasen.gov