News & Notes April 2004

Legislative Conference Addressed Budget Issues

PACD's Legislative Conference was held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in downtown Harrisburg from March 8-10. District directors and staff met to discuss current issues, meet with legislators, and attend the Pennsylvania State Conservation Commission (SCC) and PACD Executive Council meetings.

One of the highlights of the first day was the Issues Forum. Speakers addressed topics including health insurance (see sidebar), water resources planning, the conservation security program, and education and partnership opportunities with the National Wild Turkey Federation.

The second day of the conference, district directors and staff from across the state met with local legislators to advocate for increased funding in four areas: line item funding in the governor's budget for the Department of Environmental Protection and Department of Agriculture, the Nutrient Management Program and the Dirt and Gravel Roads Program. Tours of the PACD office were also given during an open house. This was followed by the SCC meeting and awards judging.

The last day consisted of the PACD Region Directors and PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Field Representatives Meeting and the PACD Executive Council meeting. In addition to all of these activities, seven committees met during the conference.

New for this year, the new director orientation was held concurrently with the conference. Presented by Joanne Nardone of the DEP and Building For Tomorrow, a Leadership and Professional Development Program, this session offered an overview of the roles and responsibilities of a conservation District Director, as well as an understanding of the network of organizations that make up the Conservation Partnership. As an incentive, the new directors received free registration for the conference. Nineteen directors, three managers, one DEP field representative and two Natural Resource Conservation Service staff attended the orientation. Since the orientation was so successful, it will continue to be held in conjunction with the PACD Legislative Conference.

Susan Fox Marquart Re-Elected as SCOFO President

Harrisburg, PA-The Pennsylvania State Council of Farm Organization's (SCOFO) annual meeting took place March 22, 2004 at the state Capitol Building.

The purpose of the meeting was to promote agriculture and to elect officers. Representatives of over 65 agricultural organizations met with legislators at the "Taste of Pennsylvania reception" to promote agriculture in Pennsylvania and to provide a networking forum for members to discuss challenges and opportunities across Agri-business sectors.

Those who will lead the way in promoting agriculture through SCOFO were chosen during the election of officers. Susan Fox Marquart, executive director at the Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts, Inc. was re-elected as President. "As the number one industry in our state, agriculture has an impact on everyone in Pennsylvania. From the products grown on the farms all the way to the grocery store, agriculture provides jobs to help our economy and keep all of Pennsylvania prosperous and healthy."

State Representative Art Hershey, Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, congratulates newly elected President Susan Fox Marquart at the State Council of Farm Organizations Annual Cornucopia.

Other officers reelected were Vice President Jeff Fry of Pennsylvania Turfgrass Council and Secretary/Treasurer Dennis Schad of Land O'Lakes, Inc. The hiring of new Executive Secretary Beverly Gruber was also announced during the meeting.

The SCOFO represents the broad spectrum of agriculture in Pennsylvania, from farm production, education, business services and the delivery of finished products to consumers. The organization advocates a constructive legislative agenda that protects and promotes the Commonwealth's agricultural interests. For your more information, please call (610) 767-5026.