Harrisburg, PA – This week, the Marcellus Shale Coalition (MSC) is participating in the 95th Annual Pennsylvania Farm Show – an event that attracts nearly 500,000 attendees from the Mid-Atlantic region and is the premier agriculture event in the Commonwealth. In line with the MSC’s Guiding Principles, the Farm Show provides the natural gas industry a unique opportunity to engage attendees on issues and opportunities related to the development of the Marcellus Shale.
“Pennsylvania farmers are a key partner in the responsible development of clean-burning natural gas from the Marcellus Shale,” said MSC president and executive director Kathryn Klaber. “As we have said from the outset of our outreach efforts, well-informed landowners and members of the community are our strongest allies. And that’s exactly why we are excited to have a host of subject matter experts available at the Farm Show all week to answer questions, seek input, address concerns and serve as a resource for Pennsylvania’s proud agriculture community.”
“The Marcellus has served as a ray of hope for many farmers working through tough economic times, battling low milk prices and rising fuel and feed costs,” said Dennis Wolff, former Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture and an advisor to the MSC. “As a farmer, my first and foremost priority is that this natural resource is developed in a manner that minimizes land disturbance and ensures our waterways are protected. I am confident the industry shares these priorities and is committed to working with the agriculture community to ensure this natural gas resource is developed with the environment in mind.”
Klaber added: “In addition to the direct economic benefit farmers realize from leasing their land — enabling many to hold on to their family farms, and make investments in newer, more efficient agricultural technologies — the entire farming community will continue to see a positive impact as a result of Marcellus development through more stable fuel prices, lower energy costs, and more affordable fertilizers.”
The MSC also hosted a reception today at the Farm Show honoring Pennsylvania’s farmers, Future Farmers of America (FFA) and 4-H youth. Recognizing the value of the FFA and 4-H programs, the MSC made a $5,000 donation to the Pennsylvania Farm Show Scholarship Foundation.
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Information about the Pennsylvania Farm Show Scholarship Foundation: The Foundation was established in 1993 through the vision and generous support of several key leaders in agriculture and three companies that contributed more than $11,000 toward scholarships. Current scholarship funding comes from Farm Show champion animal sales, corporate membership dues, individual contributions, proceeds from hotel and restaurant listings in our annual “Farm Show accommodations brochure,” buyer contributions from the Farm Show’s Junior Livestock Sale and the Foundation’s annual benefit dinner and auction. Since its founding, the Foundation has awarded nearly $675,000 in scholarships to 273 worthy 4-H and FFA youth. All members of FFA and 4-H who has exhibited since 1993 are eligible to apply for this scholarship.