Pennsylvania's family farms are part of our cultural and economic heritage. Agriculture and ag-related business is the largest "small business" in the Commonwealth, creating over 800,000 jobs.

Family farms circulate their money in their communities - buying products and services from other local businesses. The farmers are the backbone of the economy in many of Pennsylvania's small, rural towns.

We cannot afford to see them destroyed.

1. Define in law the difference between family farms and corporate farms.    The giant agri-corporations are taking advantage of exemptions to industry codes written into the law for family farms. These giants are industries, and need to be treated as such; while family farmers need continued protection from industrial codes that do not fit their unique situations.
2. Put an immediate moratorium on the factory farms invading Pennsylvania farmland.    The experience of other states that have contended with Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO's) has included health problems, environmental disasters, and serious economic repercussions. We must stop their expansion into Pennsylvania until these issues can be properly resolved without harm to our citizens or our environment. For an in-depth analysis of the effects of CAFO's, see To Market, To Market
3. Allow farmers to price their own products.    Any other small business owner has the power to set his own price for his product, governed by the laws of the marketplace. The Luksik/Clymer team believes that farmers should have this same opportunity, even if it means working with federal authorities to deal with this inequity.
4. Create a line of separation between farmers and processors in the marketplace.    Farmers are the sellers of the raw materials of farm products. Processors are the buyers. When the same representatives handle both sides of the market transaction, conflicts of interest are inevitable. The small family farmer too often loses to the large processing entity. Farmers need someone who represents ONLY their interests in the marketplace.
5. Promote Pennsylvania farm products.    The state should take an active role in marketing the products of our farms. "Pennsylvania Proud" needs to be seen in every grocery store in our Commonwealth.




Additional Information

To Market, To Market - An in-depth look at CAFO's

Aug. 26, 1998 - The Patriot-News  Luksik would put hold on factory farms until water, waste questions answered

Farming - Frequently Asked Questions

The Luksik/Clymer team has produced an in-depth video report on Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations. To obtain your copy, contact the campaign at 1-800-801-2027.