News Release

PACD Executive Director Elected SCOFO President

Harrisburg, PA-The Pennsylvania State Council of Farm Organization's (SCOFO) annual meeting took place March 3, 2003 at the state Capitol Building.

The purpose of the meeting was to encourage the 250 representatives of over 65 agricultural organizations to meet with legislators to promote agriculture in Pennsylvania and to provide a networking forum for members to discuss challenges and opportunities across Agri-business sectors. Among the highlights of the meeting were a luncheon, election of officers, two round table discussions and the "Taste of Pennsylvania" reception.

Acting Secretary of Agriculture Dennis Wolff welcomed guests to the event. During the luncheon, Agriculture Committee Chairs, Representative Raymond Bunt, Jr. (R), and Senator Michael L. Waugh (R) addressed the guests. SCOFO also invited new legislators to meet members and discuss their goals for agriculture.

After the luncheon, new SCOFO officers were elected. Susan Fox Marquart, executive director at the Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts, Inc. for over six years, was elected President. "As the number one industry in Pennsylvania, agriculture plays an integral role in Pennsylvania's economy. The SCOFO's represents over 60 agricultural organizations that contribute to the success and prominence of this organization. I look forward to working with representatives from these organizations to continue to promote agriculture in Pennsylvania," said Fox.

Acting Secretary of Agriculture Dennis Wolff and the new President of the Pennsylvania State Council of Farm Organizations,
Susan Fox Marquart.

Other officers elected include Vice President Jeff Fry of Pennsylvania Turfgrass Council and Secretary/Treasurer Dennis Schad of Land O'Lakes, Inc. The officers may serve up to two years in these leadership positions to advocate agriculture in Pennsylvania.

Following the elections were two round table discussions: "Our Food: How Safe & Secure Is It?" and "Managing Dairy's Image." Panel members included Dr. Helen Aceto, University of Pennsylvania's School of Veterinary Medicine and Laura England, Mid-Atlantic Dairy Association. Both Dr. Aceto and Ms. England spoke about food security and the research that is in progress to ensure a safe food supply. It was a lively discussion of current issues.

Perhaps the most anticipated event was the "Taste of Pennsylvania" reception. New and innovative products produced in Pennsylvania, such as Pennsylvania elk products, were showcased. This reception also provided an opportunity for discussion of SCOFO's legislative agenda and the impact of agriculture on the Commonwealth. Current issues of interest include protecting the environment, keeping agriculture economical, maintaining farm safety and promoting food safety from "farm to fork."

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 company or association to be part of SCOFO, please call (717) 232-5322.