March 18, 2026\n<\/p>\n
PHILADELPHIA \u2014 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) announced the signing of a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen their partnership and expand their collaborative activities related to agricultural practices that benefit the environment,\u00a0regulatory and compliance programs, outreach, training, communication, and education.\u00a0<\/p>\n
EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Amy Van Blarcom-Lackey and PA Department of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding signed the MOU at Flinchbaugh\u2019s Orchard and Farm Market in York County, Pennsylvania, on March 18, 2026. Pictured L to R: Redding, Flinchbaugh, Van Blarcom-Lackey. (Christine Gonnelli, Public Affairs, U.S. EPA Region 3)<\/p>\n
EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Amy Van Blarcom-Lackey and PA Department of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding signed the MOU at Flinchbaugh\u2019s Orchard and Farm Market in York County, Pennsylvania. Encompassing nearly 420 acres, this three-generational family farm prioritizes conservation at all levels, working to conserve water, limit pesticide uses, and use the latest and most efficient technology and practices.<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u201cAcross the Commonwealth, producers are showing that profitability and clean water go hand in hand, and we\u2019re proud to be their partner in agriculture,\u201d said EPA Regional Administrator Amy Van Blarcom-Lackey. \u201cThrough this agreement, EPA and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture are accelerating producer access to resources and growing practices that build soil health, improve efficiency, protect waterways, and strengthen rural economies.\u201d<\/p>\n
The five-year agreement emphasizes a shared commitment between EPA and Pennsylvania to well-managed, sustainable farms that produce food for local communities and a clean environment for all to enjoy.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cPennsylvania farmers prove every day that strong farms and a healthy environment go hand in hand,\u201d said Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding. \u201cUnder Governor Josh Shapiro\u2019s administration, we are focused on setting farmers up for success by investing in innovation, expanding partnerships that support sustainable farming and conservation efforts, and making sure producers have the tools they need to protect our natural resources. This renewed partnership with United States Environmental Protection Agency strengthens that commitment by aligning state and federal efforts to support farmers \u2013 furthering our progress to\u00a0restore\u00a0in the Chesapeake Bay and protect\u00a0our\u00a0local waterways.\u201d<\/p>\n
EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Amy Van Blarcom-Lackey and PA Department of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding signed the MOU at Flinchbaugh\u2019s Orchard and Farm Market in York County, Pennsylvania, on March 18, 2026. Also pictured are Doug Wolfgang, \u00a0PA State Conservation Commission, Mike Flinchbaugh, Flinchbaugh Family Orchard, and distinguished guests. (Christine Gonnelli, Public Affairs, U.S. EPA Region 3)<\/p>\n
About the Memorandum of Understanding\u00a0<\/p>\n
The MOU outlines shared goals and activities to strengthen relations and outcomes for EPA and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture:\u00a0<\/p>\n
Increase state-federal collaboration\u00a0by participating in organized meetings, sharing updates, and communicating about program activities.\u00a0\u00a0Encourage honest and recurring discussions between EPA and the agriculture community\u00a0by participating in roundtables, farm tours, and events.\u00a0Recognize, measure, and promote environmental stewardship\u00a0by documenting and sharing agriculture best practices and case studies with farmers.\u00a0Enhance regulatory compliance and improve water quality\u00a0by participating in joint trainings and program assessments and refining communications on compliance and enforcement activities.\u00a0<\/p>\n
EPA and the Commonwealth will produce an annual report to highlight collective achievements realized under the MOU and to outline plans for the coming year.\u00a0<\/p>\n
EPA’s Mid-Atlantic Region (Region 3)\u00a0serves Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and seven federally recognized Tribes.\u00a0Follow EPA Region 3 on\u00a0Instagram<\/a>,\u00a0X<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Facebook<\/a>.\u00a0To learn more about a recent MOU signing with the Commonwealth of Virginia, click here<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n Learn more about the PA Department of Agriculture\u2019s initiatives and investments at agriculture.pa.gov or by following on Facebook<\/a>,\u00a0 X<\/a>, and Instagram<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n