department of agriculture

Plants, Land & Water

Programs & Services

Farmland Preservation

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.

Farmland Preservation

Fertilizer Program

The Commonwealth's fertilizer program is overseen and regulated by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Plant Industry.

Fertilizer Program

Governor's Invasive Species Council

The Governor's Invasive Species Council works to identify invasive plant, insect, and animal species that currently threaten or could potentially threaten Pennsylvania's natural and agricultural resources and the industries they support.

Governor's Invasive Species Council

Hemp in Pennsylvania

Through the Controlled Plants and Noxious Weeds, Pennsylvania’s USDA-approved Hemp Program issues permits for growing and processing hemp under the PA Hemp General Permit.

Hemp in Pennsylvania

Pesticide Programs

The Bureau of Plant Industry, Division of Health and Safety manages the regulation of pesticides and pesticide applications in the Commonwealth.

Pesticide Programs

Spotted Lanternfly Program

Counties across Pennsylvania are under quarantine as the PA Department of Agriculture (PDA) works with federal, state, local and non-governmental cooperators to slow the spread and minimize the damage caused by this pest.

Spotted Lanternfly Program

State Conservation Commission

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.

State Conservation Commission