(WHTM) — As the agriculture industry took over Harrisburg for the Pennsylvania Farm Show, tariffs were the talk of the town.

Gov. Josh Shapiro (D), while touring the show, compared President Donald Trump’s tariffs to a gut punch to Pennsylvania farmers. A day later, Trump officials were there to pitch the president’s policies.

U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins attacked the governor’s statement as “a tired talking point for Democrats.”

But Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding, who was unanimously confirmed by the State Senate, said he found universal concern over market access across the 37 countries present at the farm show.

Pennsylvania farmers want stability, but tariffs have created unpredictability in foreign markets, he said. While speaking in the hardwoods exhibit, for which the state is one of the largest exporters in the country, he said the industry faces tariffs between 17% and 65%.

“You’re not moving product,” Redding said. “It’s not gonna flow. It’s that simple.”

For all of the anxiety tariffs can create, Redding said there is good news for Pennsylvania’s agriculture industry. Watch This Week in Pennsylvania in the video player above to find out what makes him optimistic.

Plus, Pennsylvanians know who is running for governor — but what about lieutenant governor?

Every week, This Week in Pennsylvania gives a comprehensive look at the week’s biggest news events in Pennsylvania, provided by the abc27 News team, along with the latest updates on local stories.

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