WASHINGTON D.C. – U.S. Rep. Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (PA-5) has been recognized for his work on behalf of American farm families with the Golden Plow Award, which is the highest honor the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) presents to members of Congress.
Thompson received the award during a presentation before 150 farmers from Pennsylvania, who are in Washington D.C. to participate in Pennsylvania Farm Bureau’s (PFB) National Legislative Conference. AFBF selected Thompson as the lone recipient of the Golden Plow Award this year.
“When members of Congress work to ensure that farmers and ranchers can continue to raise animals, plant seeds, harvest crops and be productive, they are plowing fertile ground for agriculture, our economy and our food security,” said AFBF Executive Vice President and Treasurer Julie Anna Potts.
“More than anything, the Golden Plow is Farm Bureau’s way of saying ‘thank you’ for standing up for American agriculture. Congressman Thompson is a deserving recipient of this award.”
The Pennsylvania Farm Bureau nominated Thompson for the award because of his support for the recently passed farm bill, his commitment to reducing regulatory red tape and burdens on farmers, and his leadership in addressing Environmental Protection Agency-related challenges that threaten the very foundation of agriculture.
“Congressman Thompson has been a strong and consistent supporter of Pennsylvania agriculture. From his first day in office, he has demonstrated a keen interest in issues impacting agriculture and rural communities,” stated PFB President Carl T. Shaffer.
Shaffer lauded Thompson, who is a member of the House Agriculture Committee and Chair of the Subcommittee on Conservation, Energy and Forestry, for serving as a public advocate for agriculture.
“Farm Bureau is fortunate to have such a dedicated, tireless and passionate supporter for agriculture,” Shaffer said.
Describing Thompson’s good works as “too many to name,” Shaffer highlighted the lawmakers’ staunch advocacy of the farm bill, commitment to domestic energy sources and forest resources, and leadership in enhancing education, as well as his continued accessibility and responsiveness to his constituents and Farm Bureau.
“GT continually tours Pennsylvania farms and sits down with farm families to hear about their concerns and dreams,” Shaffer stated. “He then takes that knowledge back to Washington in order to protect farmers from onerous regulations and champions legislative efforts to help agriculture and rural areas prosper.”
“I am honored to receive the American Farm Bureau’s Gold Plow Award,” stated Thompson. “It has been a distinct privilege to work on behalf of our family farms to promote a robust agricultural sector, which is fundamentally important to
Pennsylvania and the economic well-being of the country.”
“I look forward to building upon the progress and reforms made over the past year. Together, we can continue to strengthen America’s agricultural sector and ensure the country always has access to a safe, affordable and abundant food supply,” Thompson added.
“I greatly appreciate this recognition and also want to thank the American Farm Bureau and the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau for their advocacy on behalf of agriculture.”