Governor Edward G. Rendell is proposing an innovative new approach to usher in an era of negotiation rather than litigation in local disputes over the state's changing farm industry, enhancing our reputation as a leader in agriculture and environmental protection. Preserving the rural character of Pennsylvania means balancing the needs and business interests of farmers trying to compete in a challenging global marketplace with the quality of life and environmental concerns of municipalities and residents.

       The proposed Agricultural Review Board--comprising the Secretaries of Agriculture, DEP and the Department of Community and Economic Development, the Dean of Penn State's School of Agricultural Sciences and a Governor--appointed member-aims to bring divided rural communities together by creating a forum where farmers, municipalities and residents can talk through and amicably resolve their differences. Instead of forcing the two sides to square off against each other in lawsuits where one side wins and the other side loses, the review board promotes cooperation-an approach that removes the costly burden of litigation and minimizes actions that can polarize rural communities.

       The proposed board completely replaces the elements in the vetoed House Bill 1222, offering farmers further protections in pursuing legal challenges against ordinances affecting agriculture. Opposing parties can file requests over certain ordinances relating to agriculture, and the board will bring them all together to discuss their differences and negotiate a compromise. This forum enables the parties to participate in active, honest and ongoing dialogue to reach a consensus that is good for the community. Only in the event that an issue cannot be resolved would the board make a formal determination and issue an administrative ruling, which could be appealed to Commonwealth Court.

       The proposed Agricultural Review Board promotes a win/win situation that ensures rural quality of life, continued commercially competitive agricultural production and enhanced environmental protections.

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