(The Center Square) — The annual Pennsylvania Farm Show brings a circular focus to agriculture in Harrisburg and officials call attention to issues that get overlooked.

During a joint House and Senate committee hearing, Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding warned that a housing shortage affects farmers, too.

“One issue of particular interest right now is farmworker housing,” Redding said. “I think it’s an issue for the state of America.”

The problem helps the public recognize the importance of immigrant labor to agriculture, the secretary noted.

“We have a crisis in available housing generally,” Redding said. “It’s very difficult to find housing in rural communities that are supporting ag…we have to bring a voice to folks who don’t have the voice.”

The housing problem has hit all parts of Pennsylvania. Labor shortages and red tape can delay housing construction for months, as The Center Square previously reported, and workers of all types have found it difficult to stay where they grew up, while businesses have struggled to recruit workers to areas, due to the high cost of housing.

Beyond rural housing, even Philadelphia has had problems: Mayor Cherelle Parker has made housing affordability a priority in her administration.

Redding wasn’t only dwelling on agriculture’s problems. He also talked up improvements, especially dwelling on the Pennsylvania Farm Bill’s effects.

“The farm bill makes targeted and strategic investments in agriculture,” he said. “We hear about business planning and the work that we’ve done, representing the very deep culture of stewardship.”

Legislators echoed the secretary’s praise of the farm bill.

“Many of the grants that were instituted through this bill have allowed for farmers and agricultural organizations to expand their practices, acquire needed equipment, and better educate those involved in their day-to-day business,” said Sen. Elder Vogel, R-Rochester.

“Pennsylvania’s unique distinction as the only state to enact its own Farm Bill is a source of great pride for all those who contributed to crafting the legislation five years ago,” said Sen. Judy Schwank, D-Reading. “We now have an opportunity ahead of us to continue backing our agriculture sector and further establish Pennsylvania as a leader in innovative ways to support our hardworking farmers through the 2024 Farm Bill.”