Elk County Farm Bureau urges support for agricultural funding, flags data‑center land‑use and wildlife concerns

Ernie Matus, secretary and government relations director for the Elk County Farm Bureau, told commissioners on April 16 that agriculture contributes substantially to Pennsylvania’s economy and asked local officials to support the governor’s proposed funding for the Department of Agriculture.

Matus outlined several state issues his organization is monitoring. He said the Farm Bureau supports roughly $54.4 million in general operations funding for the Department of Agriculture as presented in the governor’s proposal and noted other preparedness and diagnostic lab investments. He urged legislators not to rely on legalization of adult‑use cannabis as a revenue source for agricultural funding.

He described Senate Bill 689 — over‑order premium reform intended to redirect premiums to dairy farmers — and said it will not help Elk County much because, he said, the county now has only one dairy farm. He also reviewed Senate Bill 225, which he characterized as addressing 'goodwill compensation' tied to eminent domain so that specialized farmland receives compensation that reflects its production and stewardship value; the bill passed the Senate unanimously and was awaiting House Commerce Committee action as of his briefing.

Matus also discussed House Bill 1157, which would exempt H‑2A seasonal foreign workers from unemployment compensation contributions, arguing Pennsylvania farmers currently pay into a fund from which those workers cannot draw because they return to their home countries after contracts end.

On land‑use, Matus warned that expansion of data centers has already consumed tens of thousands of acres statewide and urged incentives to reuse underutilized industrial sites rather than converting productive farmland, citing concerns about increased electric demand and water use. He said the Farm Bureau is seeking clarity that data‑center development not compromise local base‑load power relied on by residents and farms and urged developers to prioritize brownfield or industrial sites.

He also reviewed wildlife management challenges—rising deer and black bear damage, crop losses, and traffic incidents—and said the Farm Bureau is working with the Pennsylvania Game Commission on expanded harvest permits and deer‑management programs. Finally, he noted early discussions of a proposed $2.3 billion fertilizer plant in the Carthus area that could supply a large share of east‑coast nitrogen needs if built.

Commissioners and attendees asked for clarification on specific items in Matus’s handout. Matus said more detail was available in written materials he distributed and offered to follow up with legislators and staff.