Congressional Farm Visit in Lancaster County Highlights the Importance of Investing in Projects

Legislative visitors learn about sustainable agricultural practices on local farm

District staff from federal legislative offices joined the Chesapeake Bay Foundation on a Lancaster County farm this week to learn about conservation farming practices in Pennsylvania supported by federal investment.

Representatives of Senator John Fetterman, Senator Dave McCormick, and Representative Lloyd Smucker all convened on the Rohrer family farm in Strasburg to view several projects that have benefited from federally funded conservation programs.

Roger Rohrer has been managing Rohrer farms for most of his life, prioritizing sustainable and regenerative agriculture practices.

He was named a Chesapeake Bay Champion in 2019 for the streamside trees he planted on his property beginning in 2000, and his commitment to conservation farming practices.

Forested riparian buffers are corridors of native trees planted near waterways to provide numerous environmental benefits. In addition to slowing water from heavy rains, and trapping soil, fertilizer, and sediment from nearby land uses, buffers also filter out pollution that would otherwise run into streams and rivers. Another important benefit to the Rohrer family is the habitat and food source that established and maintained buffers on their property provide wildlife.

These buffer projects were made possible with Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) funding from the USDA, which Rohrer was able to apply for to remove ineffective crop land from production. By converting a portion of his land to tree cover, he reduced the runoff of nutrients from his fields and attracted valuable game species all while receiving financial benefits. The Chesapeake Bay Foundation helps farmers acquire and plant trees along key waterways in a property.

Chesapeake Bay Foundation Pennsylvania Executive Director Julia Krall issued the following statement:

“Federal investment in farm conservation work is key to cleaner rivers and streams in Pennsylvania. We have seen the benefits in Lancaster County and across Pennsylvania, when landowners raise their hands to do what they can to improve the communities where they live and work. Supporting farmers by providing the resources to carry out these projects on their properties is good for farms, the local community, and the environment.

“Ensuring federal programs that support farmers receive adequate and consistent funding is crucial for cleaner waterways in Pennsylvania.”