PITTSBURGH (NewsRadio KDKA) — Governor Tom Wolf revealed Wednesday a new agricultural impact report that came in a joint effort with Team Pennsylvania and eConsult Solutions Inc.
The new report was organized to better understand the importance of the agriculture industry on Pennsylvania's economy.
And to put it in the state's own words: "agriculture is fundamental to Pennsylvania's economy."
The economic report estimated that the commonwealth's agriculture is valued at a whopping $132.5 billion and provides 590,000 jobs.
With those jobs, the report revealed that about $33 billion is paid in annual wages.
Furthermore, the report was more than just an appraisal of one of Pennsylvania's most vital industries.
It also is meant to offer recommendations and help guide the sector moving forward.
And the importance of the sector is not lost on Governor Wolf.
As mentioned, agriculture is a lynchpin in Pennsylvania.
"Since the founding of the commonwealth, agriculture has been a cornerstone of our state's economy. We rely on the people who power the industry and the food they produce to sustain our lives," said Governor Wolf.
"This report shows us plainly what we all realized over the past year: agriculture is vital to our lives and our economy. Pennsylvanians and policy-makers alike should do everything in their power to support it," Wolf continued.