The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) values the experience and technical advice provided by the members of its boards, commissions, committees, and councils (AKA, “boards”). These advisory bodies are valued community partners and provide essential guidance on critical topics such as agriculture policies and practices, commodities and marketing, animal health and welfare, and workforce safety and development.
PDA strives to cultivate a balance of expertise and perspective among its boards. To ensure continuity of fair representation, membership positions regularly undergo routine evaluation. Members serve in a voluntary capacity and comprise of a vast array of affiliations such as farmers and farming/rural organizations, academic institutions, environmental organizations, regulated entities, public interest groups, state and federal agencies, and other stakeholders with knowledge and interest in the subject matter of the advisory body.
Explore the dropdown menu below to learn more about PDA’s advisory bodies.
Ag Fair and Advisory Committee
Bureau of Market Development
Purpose: The Board shall assist and advise the Secretary, review any proposed departmental regulations and the annual plan for the administration of this act, and periodically review the operation of the program and make recommendations on the disbursement of funds.
Statute: Act 92 of 1986
Meetings: Hybrid with both in-person and virtual options to attend meetings. Commission meetings are quarterly, January, April, July and September
Time commitment: 1 hour meetings
Amusement Ride Safety Advisory Board
Bureau of Rides and Measurement Standards
Purpose: Pennsylvania's amusement ride safety program is designed to ensure that all rides in the state meet stringent safety requirements. The process starts with the Amusement Ride Safety Advisory Board, which is made up of a panel of industry experts, concerned citizens, and one certified engineer. The board meets quarterly to reviews all new rides and attractions applying to operate in Pennsylvania. The board make recommendations to the department concerning the ride and it suitability to operate in Pennsylvania.
Statute: 1992 Act 107
Meetings: in-person and virtual options, 4-hour quarterly meetings.
Time commitment: Meetings last 4 hours and sometimes longer. Prep is based on volume of material to review, 1 submission is at least several hours to review and we typically entertain 6 – 10 submission per meeting.
Bureau of Farm Show
Purpose: To guide the operations and maintenance of the PA Farm Show.
Statute: SECTION 430 - THE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE OF 1929
Meetings: Hybrid with both in-person and virtual options. Meetings are quarterly.
Time commitment: 2 hours per meeting
Bureau of Horse Racing
Purpose: The State Horse Racing Commission represents the state 's racing industry. Racing is managed under a common mission: to direct, regulate, secure and promote the horse racing and breeding industry in the commonwealth.
Statute: Title 3, Chapter 93, Section 9311
Meetings: In-person and virtual option available, meets monthly for our Public Meetings which are always held on the last Tuesday of each month.
Time commitment: The Commissioner’s conduct an Executive session prior to the Public Meeting, the Executive Session usually last about 2 hours and the public session usually between 1 and a half to 2 hours.
Animal Health and Diagnostic Commission
Bureau of Animal Health
Purpose: The Animal Health and Diagnostic Commission (AHDC) was created by Act 148 of 1988 to be a departmental administrative commission. Three (3) accredited veterinarians appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of a majority of the members elected to the Senate. The Act also states that six (6) active farmers appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of a majority of the members elected to the Senate shall sit on the AHDC. In appointing farm members, the Act charged the Governor to consider nominees suggested by statewide farm organizations, the poultry industry and equine and livestock breeding organizations.
Statute: Act 148 of 1988
Meetings: Hybrid or in-person. Meetings occur once every two months on first Thursday
Time commitment: 2.5 hours
Canine Health Board (INACTIVE)
Bureau of Animal Health
Purpose: Selecting 9 veterinarians with expertise in small animal medicine and in caring for and treating of canines.
Statute: 3 P.S. § 459-207
Humane Society Police Officer Board
Bureau of Animal Health
Purpose: To advise the Secretary in the administration of Title 22, Chapter 37. Any person who holds a current appointment under this chapter to act as a humane society police officer for a society or association for the prevention of cruelty to animals.
Statute: Title 22, Chapter 37
Meetings: Meetings are both hybrid and in-person and occur once per year
Time commitment: Meetings are 2.5 hours
Dog Law Advisory Board
Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement
Purpose: The secretary shall appoint a Dog Law Advisory Board to advise the secretary in the administration of this act.
Meetings: Hybrid with in-person and virtual option. Meetings are twice per year.
Time commitment: Meetings are 2 times per year approximately 2 hours each. Checking emails, occasionally may be asked to participate in smaller group sessions.
LEC Executive Committee (INACTIVE)
Executive Office
Purpose: Oversees the activities of the Livestock Evaluation Center; establishes policies/rules for bull, ram and boar tests. Committee meets 4x a year.
Statute: No Statutory Authority; formed as an agreement between Penn State University and the Department.
Bureau of Market Development
Purpose: American Dairy Association North East (ADA North East) is the dairy farmer-directed organization funded by participating dairy farmer's checkoff investment to build demand and sales for milk and dairy foods throughout the local region. Representing nearly 12,000 dairy farm families in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, New York, New Jersey and northern Virginia, ADA North East develops and implements local programs to drive milk and dairy sales at retail outlets and in schools.
Statute: PA Dairy Promotion Program By-Laws
Meetings: Meetings take place 4 times per year, April, June, August, and November. Each meeting is two days, in-person and includes the American Dairy Association Northeast (ADANE) Board as well. All expenses are covered by the Board including hotel but not mileage.
Time commitment: Two full days, 4 times per year
Milk Marketing Board
Bureau of Market Development
Purpose: the MMB is an independent administrative agency designated to create stability in the marketing of milk by giving dairy farmers a fair and equal opportunity to market their milk. Payment for Pennsylvania-produced milk is guaranteed through the bonding of milk dealers and the Milk Producers' Security Fund. The Fund was established by the Milk Producers' Security Act of July 6, 1984. This Act ensures prompt payment to Pennsylvania producers by requiring the establishment of a Security Fund and by requiring milk dealers who purchase Pennsylvania-produced milk to post security, in the form of bonds, with the MMB. The Board administers a comprehensive milk pricing program that enhances the farm milk price while at the same time providing a fair and competitive price for consumers.
Statute: Section 201, Milk Marketing Law
Ag Business Development Committee
Bureau of Market Development
Purpose: The new agriculture advisory committee is part of a partnership established last year between the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and Team PA. The advisory committee shall meet as often as necessary to advise the secretary on satisfying the purpose of this chapter and establishing and awarding grants under this chapter.
Statute: Title 3, Chapter 48, Act 40
Meetings: Hybrid with both in-person and virtual options to attend. Meetings occur around once every 3 months but is subject to change. See link to meeting notices here.
Time commitment: ~1 hour per month plus 2-4 hours per meeting.
Ag Law Resource and Reference Council (INACTIVE)
Executive Office
Purpose: The Ag Law Center provides resources focusing on the contemporary agricultural law issues facing PA farmers, landowners and citizens. The Ag Law Center is a collaboration between the PA Department of Agriculture, Penn State's Dickinson School of Law and the Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences.
Bureau of Market Development
Purpose: The Pennsylvania Apple Program represents 240 apple growers in Pennsylvania and provides growers with industry research support, consumer education, and national representation in the U.S. Apple Association
Statute: PA Apple Program Order, 2012; Ag Commodities Marketing Act, 2002
Meetings: Morning meetings take place three times per year - January/February, Hershey, 3 hours; July, Virtual, 2 hours; November, Virtual, 2 hours
Time commitment: 2-3 hours per meeting
Aquaculture Advisory Board
Bureau of Animal Health
Purpose:
(1) To encourage aquacultural operators to make a long-term commitment to aquaculture by offering them the same protections afforded other agricultural practices.
(2) To reduce the amount of governmental agencies with jurisdiction over aquaculture by transferring authority over commercial aquacultural operations to the Department of Agriculture.
(3) To encourage further development of the aquacultural industry by including quaculture in any and all promotional and other economic developmental programs.
Statute: PA Title 3, Ch 42, Section 4216
Malt and Brewed Beverage Board
Bureau of Market Development
Purpose: The Board, which will be staffed by five members appointed by the Governor and General Assembly, will oversee a $1 million-per-year grant program designed to increase the production of Pennsylvania-made malt and brewed beverages and the enhancement of the industry in general.
Statute: Act 39 of 2016, Section 446.1; Ag Commodities Marketing Act, 1998
Meetings: Morning meetings take place five times per year - February, Virtual, 3 hours; March/April, Virtual, 3 hours; May, Virtual, 4 hours; July, Virtual, 4 hours; October, Virtual, 4 hours
Time commitment: ~3-4 hours per meeting
Bureau of Market Development
Purpose: The Pennsylvania Peach & Nectarine Research Program represents each producer who grows 500 or more peach and/or nectarine trees, of all ages, for the production for sale or marketing.
Statute: Pennsylvania Peach and Nectarine Research Program, 2014; Ag Commodities Marketing Act, 1998
Meetings: Morning meetings take place twice per year - January/February, Hershey, 2.5 hours; July, Virtual, 2 hours
Time commitment: ~2 hours per meeting
Bureau of Market Development
Purpose: The Pennsylvania Potato Research Program represents each producer who grows potatoes for the production for sale or marketing
Statute: Pennsylvania Potato Research Program, 2017; Ag Commodities Marketing Act, 1998
Meetings: Morning meetings take place twice per year - January/February, Hershey, 2.5 hours; July, Virtual, 2 hours
Time commitment: ~ 2 hours per meeting
Specialty Crop Advisory Board
Bureau of Market Development
Purpose: This is an advisory board to provide oversight and assist in evaluating grant applications for funding. This board is composed of legislative representatives (Senate and House Agriculture), produce broker, food service, academics, and department of agriculture staff. Board meets annually.
Bureau of Market Development
Purpose: Represents each producer who does one or more of the following during a particular marketing season:
-Grows one or more acres of vegetables within this Commonwealth for the purpose of selling said vegetable;
-Grows vegetables in one or more greenhouses located within this Commonwealth if: (1) the greenhouse(s) is/are used for growing vegetables in 1,000 square feet or more of growing space; (2) the vegetables are grown for sale; and (3) the vegetables are not grown to be transplanted outdoors; or -Grows vegetables within this Commonwealth and sells $2,000 or more of the vegetables grown in a given marketing season.
Statute: Pennsylvania Vegetable Marketing and Research Program, 2018;Opens In A New Window PA Agricultural Commodities Marketing Act, 1998
Meetings: Meetings take place five times per year - January, Hershey, 2.5 hours; February, Virtual, 2 hours; March, Virtual, 2 hours; June, Virtual, 2 hours; November, Virtual, All Day
Time commitment: Aside from the day-long meeting in November, the other four annual meetings are around 2 hours
Bureau of Market Development
Purpose: The Pennsylvania Wine Marketing and Research Program Board was established by state law and grants funds collected from producers through the Agricultural Commodity Marketing Act (ACMA). These funds are to be used exclusively for wine production marketing and research
Statute: 3 Pa.C.S. §§ 4501—4513, PA Wine Marketing & Research Program - 2016 Program Order; PA Agricultural Commodities Marketing Act, 1998
Meetings: Morning meetings take place eight times per year - February, Virtual, 4 hours; March/April, Virtual, 4 hours; May, Virtual, 4 hours; June, Virtual, 2 hours; June, Virtual, 2 hours July, AG/Virtual, 2 hours; September, Virtual, 2 hours; November, AG/Virtual, 3 hours
Time commitment: ~2-4 hours per meeting
Controlled Plant and Noxious Weed Council
Bureau of Plant Industry
Purpose: The Controlled Plant and Noxious Weed Committee (CPNWC) was formed with the passing of the Controlled Plant and Noxious Weed Act in October 2017.
Members of the committee include:
-Secretaries and/or their designees from the following agencies: Agriculture(chair), Conservation and Natural Resources, Environmental Protection, and Transportation. Members also include the Executive Director of the Fish & Boat Commission and the Game Commission.
-The chairperson and minority chairperson of the Agricultural and Rural Affairs Committee of the PA Senate and House of Representatives.
-Three appointed positions appointed by the secretary- one from a statewide general farm organization, one from the horticulture, turf, and landscape industry, and one from an institution of higher learning.
Statute: Act 46 of 2017
Meetings: Quarterly meetings are currently virtual but will move to hybrid in the future.
Time commitment: 8 hours per year in meetings; other work on a voluntary basis
Fertilizer Advisory Committee
Bureau of Plant Industry
Purpose: The Fertilizer Advisory Committee provides a forum for representatives from production agriculture, agricultural research, turf maintenance, manufacturing and nutrient management to share information about research, technology and regulations affecting Pennsylvania's fertilizer industry.
Statute: Order of the Secretary. There is no statutory basis for this committee, no statute creating it and no statute granting it any authority.
Meetings: Meetings occur on an as-needed basis. The last meeting was in-person, but virtual options are available at the request of the committee members.
Time commitment: Less than 4 hours per year
Governor's Invasive Species Council
Bureau of Plant Industry
Purpose: Members of the public must represent agriculture and natural resource organizations and educational institutions conducting nonnative invasive species research and outreach.
Statute: Executive Order 2017-07 Issued 12/20/17
Meetings: Currently 100% virtual, but will likely transition to hybrid. Meetings are quarterly, March, June, September, December.
Time commitment: Minimum expected commitment is attending quarterly meetings: 2.5 hours each x 4 = 10 hours per year. Many give more time than that to serve on various committees.
Nutrient Management Advisory Board
Bureau of Plant Industry
Purpose: The Nutrient Management Advisory Board (NMAB) was created as part of Act 6, Pennsylvania 1st nutrient management program and repositioned under Act 38 (Agriculture, Communities and Rural Environment Act). The NMAB Membership was updated under Act 162 of 2018. The NMAB was created to assist the State Conservation Commission in the development and implementation of Pennsylvania Nutrient Management Program. Current duties of the NMAB are to review and comment on proposed guidance for implementation of the regulations. The NMAB is also used as a "sounding board" for state agencies and programs that interface with animal agriculture.
Statute: 2018 Act 162
Meetings: Meetings are once per quarter and are hybrid.
Time commitment: Meetings are 2-3 hours each
Pesticide Advisory Board
Bureau of Plant Industry
Purpose: The Board shall advise the secretary on any or all problems relating to the use and application of pesticides. This may include pest control problems, environmental or health problems related to pesticide use, and review of needed legislation, regulations, and agency programs.
Statute: Act 24 of 1974
Meetings: Quarterly meetings are currently virtual.
Time commitment: 8 hours per year in meetings; additional time on a voluntary basis.
Purpose: The Pennsylvania State Conservation Commission (SCC) is a 14-member commission that has a primary mission to ensure the wise use of Pennsylvania's natural resources and to protect and restore the natural environment through the conservation of its soil water and related resources. The commission provides support and oversight to the state's 66 county conservation districts for the implementation of conservation programs in an efficient and responsible manner.
Statute: CONSERVATION DISTRICT LAW Act of May. 15, 1945, P.L. 547, No. 217
Meetings: Hybrid with both in-person and virtual options. Meetings are held 4 times a year typically in January, April, August, and October. We have 2 formats of meetings. The first is a hybrid business meeting that we hold every other month (Jan, March, May, July, etc.). The second is a briefing conference call where we update SCC members on various issues and topic, but generally do not take actions. This "briefing" session is held in February, April, June, etc.).
Time commitment: Meetings last 2 hours except the August meeting which is typically a 4 – 6 hour joint meeting with DEP's Ag Advisory Board. Our business meetings are a full day commitment. They generally run from 10 AM to 3 PM. Travel may also be involved. Our briefing conference calls are a 1.5 hour commitment. I would also assume that SCC members would also have some prep time to read and understand meeting info that is sent to them in advance. For a business meeting, that may be several hours. For a conference call, it will be minimal.
Meeting Structure - Our current practice is to hold our meetings as hybrid meetings with both in person and remote links through teams or zoom. This could change depending on any potential resurgence of COVID.
Expenses, Travel and Per Diem - We pay travel related expenses for any member that needs to travel for Commission meetings and business. We also pay a per diem for any meeting that members attend. The base per diem is $150, but it has bee adjusted with a cost of living adjustment over the last 15 years.
Ag Land Condemnation Approval Board
Bureau of Farmland Preservation
Purpose: The board oversees the condemnation of farmlands enrolled in the Agricultural Security Area, or ASA, or other productive farmlands. The Bureau facilitates the ALCAB. The board convenes on an as-needed basis whenever a petition to condemn is submitted to the Secretary of Agriculture. The board is comprised of representatives from the Departments of Agriculture (chair), Environmental Protection and Transportation, in addition to a representative of the Governor's Office and two farmer members. Certain exemptions to board jurisdiction include work to existing highways and projects that have Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) or Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) approval.
Statute: Section 309 of the Admin Code of 1929
Meetings: Meetings are in-person and on an as-needed basis whenever a petition to condemn is submitted by an entity with power of eminent domain. Meetings are located near the condemnation site
Time commitment: Meetings require a full day
Ag Land Preservation Board
Bureau of Farmland Preservation
Purpose: Pennsylvania leads the nation in the number of farms and acres permanently preserved for agricultural production. The program guarantees a future food supply and contributes to a healthier economy. It also assures a way of life Pennsylvanian's cherish will continue for generations to come. The program is a partnership between all levels of government and non-profit organizations - with a common goal of saving prime farmland.
Statute: 1981 Act 43
Meetings: Meetings are hybrid and occur 6 times per year
Time commitment: Meetings are 2-3 hours each
Hardwoods Development Council
Purpose: The Pennsylvania Hardwoods Development Council is responsible for the development, expansion and promotion of the hardwoods industry in Pennsylvania. As the number one state for hardwoods production, the Council plays an important role in promoting Pennsylvania's forests and wood products. The Council meets it's responsibilities by working with state and local governments and other entities to promote access to timber resources on private and public land. They also promote and expand the development, processing and manufacturing of value-added forest products, as well as support and assist the forest products industry in developing domestic and foreign markets for value-added products. This work is rounded out by extensive efforts to promote public knowledge of the forest products industry in Pennsylvania and engage citizens in conversations about the role forest products play in their daily lives
Meetings: In-person and virtual option available, ~3-hour quarterly meetings
Time commitment: Meetings – approx. 3 hours
Ag Education Excellence Commission
Executive Office
Purpose: In recognition of future workforce needs, the Pennsylvania Departments of Agriculture (PDA) and Education (PDE) have produced a comprehensive agricultural education report for schools across the commonwealth and have created a 15-member Commission for Agricultural Education Excellence. The commission will operate under the concurrent authority of PDA and PDE, and is charged with assisting in the development of a statewide plan for agricultural education and coordinating the implementation of related programming with both departments.
Statute: Act 55 of 2017 (Effective Date 1.5.18)
Meetings: Hybrid with both in-person and virtual options to attend meetings. Commission meetings are quarterly from 10am-12pm and participants meet on a bi-monthly basis.
Time commitment: 2 hours per meeting
Ag and Youth Advisory Board
Executive Office
Purpose: A program for administering grants for agriculture and youth organizations.
Statute: Title 3 Chapter 103
Meetings: 4-5 hybrid meetings occur on an "as needed" basis to review the Ag and Youth grant process and awards.
Time commitment: Meetings usually last 1 hour and grant review meetings can last 2-3 hours. Members also review the Ag and Youth grants, and there are typically 55-60 grants total.
Emergency Food Assistance Advisory Committee
Bureau of Food Assistance
Purpose: A provision of the State Food Purchase Program (SFPP) Act – Act 129 of 1992 – Is the creation of an Emergency Food Assistance Advisory Committee. As outlined in 7 Pa. Code §160.17, the committee meets no less than twice per year to provide information, advice, and guidance to the department on the operation of the State Food Purchase Program, as well as other food assistance programs administered by the Bureau of Food Distribution. Members of the Emergency Food Assistance Advisory Committee are experts in different areas of emergency feeding and nutrition. These members are appointed to the committee by the Secretary of Agriculture, and full membership must be between 10 and 15 members. No more than three members may be state employees.
Statute: 7 Pa Code, Sec 160.17Opens In A New Window
Meetings: Hybrid meetings with in-person and virtual options. Meetings are from 10am-2pm twice per year, March and October.
Time commitment: Generally 10 hours. No more than 20 hour maximum in one year. In addition to the 8 hours of meeting time, committee members are asked to review materials in advance of committee meetings, and may be asked to participate in ad-hoc sub-committees.
Farm Safety and Occupational Health Advisory Board (INACTIVE)
Purpose: To make recommendations for and monitor farm safety and occupational health programs.
Food Policy Council
Purpose: The Council is established to: Evaluate issues facing Pennsylvania's food system including, but not limited to, developing and implementing strategies to improve food security and nutrition, and reduce food waste; Facilitate coordination of interagency efforts designated to reduce hunger and improve nutrition for Pennsylvania residents over their entire lifespan; Facilitate the organization of private and public sector efforts to improve the Commonwealth's response to challenges in the food system and support food sovereignty.
The Director may establish an Advisory Committee to assist the Council, as appropriate. The Advisory Committee shall be chaired by a member of the Council. The Chair shall be appointed by the Governor and serve at the Governor's pleasure. The Advisory Committee shall consist of sixteen (16) members appointed by the Governor.
Statute: Executive Order 2022-05
Meetings: Hybrid meetings with in-person and virtual options. Meetings are 2 hours and occur quarterly.
Time commitment: 2 hours per quarterly meeting. Depending on number of working group or subcommittee meetings, the time commitment for participation is generally around 15-20 hours annually.
Rural Development Council
Purpose: Maintaining and expanding opportunities for rural communities and their residents; advocating to provide the leadership and framework to address the unique needs of rural communities and promoting equal access to public and private opportunities politically, economically, and institutionally to sustain a rewarding quality of life for rural residents. Pennsylvania Rural Development Council was constituted to serve as a neutral forum where representatives of the private and nonprofit sectors and of all government agencies — federal, state, and local — can individually and cooperatively address issues of concern to the rural areas of the Commonwealth.
Statute: EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 1992-2, 29 Pa.B. 2572Opens In A New Window
Meetings: In-person and virtual option, quarterly 2 hour meetings Jan/Apr/Jul/Oct
Time commitment: The time commitment for many is just the meetings. Some commit up to ten hours a month.