The Fruit Growers News - November 2002

The business of farming has come under siege in recent years, while at the same time, survey after survey shows the public holds the family farmer in high esteem. That’s somewhat of a contradiction of terms. However, farmers and farming get high approval ratings from the public in just about every survey. There are many forces trying to destroy the good image of the Pennsylvania farmer. The siege is coming from groups that want to eliminate animal farming; limit size and growth of farming; while others pronounce farmers as environmental terrorists. The actions taken by these groups cannot be considered idle threats. These groups operate under the disguise of “saving the family farm” when in reality, if they are successful, they would destroy the family farm. Farm families must have the ability to grow and adapt to the ever-changing economy. These self-appointed saviors of the family farm want limits placed on the farm family’s flexibility to change and adapt. They seek local ordinances in violation of state law that limits the farmer’s growth. The ordinances, advocate the “saviors,” will stop large-scale operations from moving into our neighborhoods; and assure our “small” family farmers the ability to continue farming as long as they remain small. Now that is a sure formula for killing the family farm. Profits are slim enough in the farming business. If you limit the farmer’s ability to grow, you also destroy the farmer’s ability to stay in business. Courtesy of the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau.