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Producers cite permitting delays and inconsistent township rules as a key bottleneck for farm expansion
Summary
Multiple livestock-sector witnesses told legislators that inconsistent township permitting, slow agency backlogs and varied county tax/timing treatments are impeding new housing and processing investments; lawmakers pointed to DEPSpeed program as a possible remedy.
Producers across poultry, pork and dairy sectors told the joint Agriculture & Rural Affairs committee that inconsistent township permitting and lengthy reviews are a major barrier to replacing aging facilities and building new housing.
"We're in the permitting process since 2023, and we're still working through the challenges," said Coleman Wagner of the Pennsylvania Pork Producers Council, describing ongoing attorney and engineering costs tied to prolonged township hearings. Tessa Applegate of Clark's Feed Mill said permitting timelines and tax structures vary so widely that "one farmer can pay over twice as much in taxes and 3 times more in permitting fees than the other" depending on township and county.
Why it matters: Witnesses and legislators said permitting delays increase project costs, slow necessary biosecurity improvements and deter young or beginning farmers from entering production. Several legislators acknowledged the problem and urged coordination with state agencies to streamline reviews.
Representative K. Mao and others advocated for actionable fixes; Representative John Hershey noted the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has launched a "Speed" program that aims to streamline common permits and qualify professionals who can partner with applicants. "Chapter 102 applications are now open," a legislator said, encouraging applicants to review DEP resources.
Ending: Witnesses asked the legislature and the Department of Environmental Protection to accelerate implementation of expedited-review pathways, align county participation in farmland-preservation tax programs, and provide technical assistance to townships to reduce permitting delays.
