BIGLERVILLE, PA, August 6, 2024 – Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and Secretary of Labor & Industry Nancy A. Walker joined PA State Council of Farm Organizations President Kimberly Paley at Hollabaugh Brothers in Biglerville to recognize three frontline agriculture workers as Pennsylvania Farmworkers of the Year. Jose Mateos of Hollabaugh Brothers, Stephen “Cowboy” Kulp of Clemens Food Group in Hatfield, and Charles “Cam” Bishop of Pennsylvania Packinghouse in Washington County were honored as the first recipients of the new award.
The new awards highlight outstanding frontline farm and food-processing employees who work tirelessly to produce a safe, secure food supply, feeding families and local economies across Pennsylvania. The three honorees are among the 593,000-plus workers whose jobs sustain Pennsylvania’s $132.5 billion agriculture industry.
“Skilled, diligent team players like Jose, Stephen, and Charles feed our families, inspire their co-workers, and are the foundation of their employers’ success,” Secretary Redding said.
“The Shapiro Administration applauds the contributions agriculture workers make to our communities, our economy, and to every one of our daily lives. Governor Josh Shapiro has made the agriculture industry a top priority since day one, recognizing agriculture as central to Pennsylvania’s future economic vitality.”
Workers eligible for the award included frontline field and livestock workers, seasonal workers, and meat-packaging, and food-processing workers. Nominees were selected for their initiative, determination, and positive impact on their co-workers and their employers’ daily operations.
The awards underline the Shapiro Administration’s support for building the skilled workforce Pennsylvania farmers need to grow and sustain their businesses. Governor Shapiro’s bipartisan 2024-25 budget includes new investments to keep Pennsylvania a national leader in agriculture, including a $10 million Agriculture Innovation Fund and continued investment of $13 million annually to support PA Farm Bill programs to build the skilled workforce AG employers need.
“Today, we celebrate not just the vital work of Jose, Stephen, and Charles–but the dedication of every agriculture worker who contributes to Pennsylvania’s prosperity. Their commitment exemplifies the spirit of teamwork and excellence that drives Pennsylvania’s $132.5 billion agriculture industry,” Secretary Walker said. “The Shapiro Administration is proud to support these exceptional individuals and to invest in the future of agriculture, ensuring that every worker has the opportunity to thrive and continue feeding our communities and our economy.”
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