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Rendell Outlines ACRE Initiative to Farm Bureau
HERSHEY, Pa. -- Pennsylvania's proposed Agricultural, Communities and Rural Environment initiative was outlined by Gov. Edward G. Rendell at yesterday's 54th annual meeting of the Pennsylvlania Farm Bureau. The initiative emphasizes negotiation rather than litigation in local disputes over changing farm operations.The ACRE initiative includes new farm-management regulations that are substantially broader than federal regulations, encompassing more farms and farm types, and puts in place some of the most comprehensive environmental protections in the nation, Rendell said. ACRE makes Pennsylvania among the first states to require odor mitigation.In addition, ACRE proposes a five-member Agriculture Review Board -- including the secretaries of Agriculture, Environmental Protection and Community and Economic Development, the dean of Penn State University's School of Agricultural Sciences and a member appointed by the governor -- to hear the concerns of local governments, farmers and residents on the legality of certain ordinances under state laws. This includes the Right to Farm Act and the Nutrient Management Act."Last week, I attended a celebration of the addition of the 2,500th farm to our farmland-preservation program," Rendell said. "That accomplishment alone is not to be taken lightly. We need to continue embracing our family farms and keep our farmers farming. This administration's ACRE proposal will enhance the state's reputation as a leader in agricultural and environmental stewardship. We want to unite communities, balancing the needs of both farmers and quality-of-life concerns for residents. If given a chance, ACRE can do just that."We have to bring all parties to the table," Rendell continued. "We have to put measures in place that bring our communities together instead of drive them apart. How can we preserve this state's agricultural legacy if we can't talk to one another? ACRE will encourage this to happen."The Pennsylvania Farm Bureau is a voluntary organization representing more than 34,000 farm and rural families across the Keystone State."