EVERETT, Pa. — Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding celebrated the opening of a new swine barn that will create good-paying jobs and generate additional revenue in Bedford County. The barn at Warrior Ridge — part of Country View Family Farms — will create more than 20 jobs, house 5,600 sows, and generate more tax dollars than any other business in Monroe Township.
“Pennsylvania is committed to its farmers and farms; to providing opportunities for success in the workforce; and to offering good, nutritious options to consumers,” said Sec. Redding. “This new farm will only further cement that commitment by creating jobs, stimulating the local economy, and providing high-quality food products to the community. We’re fortunate to have industry leaders like Country View Family Farms and the Clemens Food Group based here in Pennsylvania and committed to the future of our agriculture industry. With that commitment comes significant investments like we’re celebrating today and more jobs for rural Pennsylvania.”
Country View Family Farms is a subsidiary of the Clemens Food Group, is a vertically coordinated company that includes hog farming, food production, logistical services, and transportation. The company also markets products under its Hatfield Quality Meats and Farm Promise brands, among many others. The company invested more than $13 million in the new Warrior Ridge Farms sow barn.”
Growing Pennsylvania’s agriculture industry is a strategic priority for Gov. Tom Wolf. Over the past three years, the Wolf Administration has invested more than $50 million in agriculture-related economic development projects; increased support for workforce development and agricultural education to help prepare students and workers for 75,000 anticipated job openings in the industry over the next decade; and signed historic legislation that has created new markets for farmers and lowered their tax burdens.
Additionally, ongoing stakeholder engagement efforts by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and Team PA have resulted in several strategic recommendations for the agriculture industry. Those recommendations include: capitalizing on branding and marketing opportunities; expanding infrastructure, including processing and manufacturing capacity, broadband, and transportation; broadening workforce development and education opportunities; and diversifying products to strengthen markets and build resiliency.
“Agriculture is a thriving industry in the commonwealth, but we know that we must keep advocating for future investments and access to opportunities,” said Redding. “Continued partnerships with advocates, organizations, and Pennsylvania businesses – like what we are celebrating today – will enable us to accomplish that mission.”
For more information about the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s programs and services, or to read the state’s Agriculture Economic Impact Study, visit the Department’s website at www.agriculture.pa.gov.
— Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture