Meuser, Houlahan receive farm award

Two members of Congress who represent Berks County, Dan Meuser and Chrissy Houlahan, have been recognized with the Friend of Farm Bureau Award for supporting agriculture- related policies.

The award is presented to members of Congress every two years near the conclusion of each legislative session. Pennsylvania senators and representatives were nominated for the award by the Pennsylvania FarmBureau and approved by the American Farm Bureau Federation Board of Directors.

Liam Migdail, a spokesman for the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, said members of Congressmust consistently vote in support of policy positions that the bureau champions to be nominated.

He added that the Friend of Farm Bureau Award is not a political endorsement, but rather a recognition of support for agriculture as demonstrated over the past two years.

“The support from our Friend of Farm Bureau recipients helps preserve the future of family farms in Pennsylvania, maintain our ability to produce safe and affordable food for consumers, and provide resources to assist farmers in implementing environmentallyfriendly practices on the farm,” Pennsylvania Farm Bureau President Rick Ebert said. “Farm families have been greatly challenged in recent years, and continued support for agriculture is vital to ensure the future success of our industry.”

Meuser, a Republican who represents an expansive congressional district that includes most of northern and eastern Berks, said he was pleased to be a recipient of the award.

“Agriculture is one of the leading industries in Pennsylvania, providing thousands of family- sustaining jobs,” he said in a press release. “InCongress, I will continue to work for our farmers, ensuring a future filled with increased opportunity and prosperity for those who help feed America.”

Houlahan, a Chester County Democrat who represents Reading andmany southwestern communities in Berks, said she was grateful not only for this recognition but also for the important work and leadership the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau provides to the local agricultural sector.

“Chester and Berks counties are home to some of the country’s leading agriculture producers,” she said in a press release. “Dairy farms and specialty crops abound, and, of course, we have a jewel in Kennett Square, the Mushroom Capital of the World. I will continue to write and pass legislation that supports this important sector of our local economy and stand up for farmers and the agricultural industry across the commonwealth.”