Secretary of Agriculture Russel Redding and Director of Rodale Institute Jeff Moyer discussed Pennsylvania’s focus on becoming the top organic producing state June 12 at Jaindl Farms, Orefield.

Farmers transitioning to organic agriculture will be given free consultation services thanks to the partnership between the state Department of Agriculture and Rodale Institute, under the proposed Pennsylvania Farm Bill.

The farm bill will invest more than $24 million in Pennsylvania agriculture, encouraging producers to cultivate more resources.

The Department of Agriculture would administer the program.

Moyer and Redding view Jaindl Farms as the prime example of a company benefiting from the transition of conventional farming to organic agriculture.

Both see Jaindl Farms as a forward-thinking company, instrumental in shaping the agriculture landscape in the state. Owner David Jaindl acknowledges this a great opportunity to make progress in the marketplace.

Last year, Jaindl Farms produced 60,000 organic turkeys, and is looking to make its corn and soybeans organic, too.

“We see an opportunity for farmers to transition to organic, to take advantage of economic and environmental benefits,” Redding said.

Moyer said this is a very exciting time to be a Pennsylvania farmer.

“Family farms can make a living on the organic price premiums, while protecting the health of our soils, air, and water, and providing healthy, nutritious foods to our families,” Moyer said.

Chief Growth Officer for Rodale Institute Jeff Tkach closed the program by emphasizing the importance of government, nonprofits and private businesses working together to make Pennsylvania the leading organic state.