Pennsylvania Code Title 7 - AGRICULTURE
Pennsylvania Code Title 7 - AGRICULTURE is a comprehensive set of regulations that govern various aspects of agriculture within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Administered primarily by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA), these rules are designed to promote a vibrant agricultural economy, protect human, animal, and plant health, and ensure food safety for consumers.
The structure of Title 7 is divided into several parts, each focusing on a distinct area of agricultural regulation:
I. Bureau of Animal Health and Diagnostic Services:
Animal Health and Disease Control: Regulations related to the control and eradication of diseases in livestock and poultry (e.g., Avian Influenza, Tuberculosis, Rabies, Johne's Disease, Chronic Wasting Disease). This includes rules for animal exhibition, movement, and the humane handling of animals.
Meat and Poultry Inspection: Standards for the inspection of meat and poultry products to ensure they are safe for human consumption.
Veterinary Services: Rules pertaining to veterinary practices and diagnostic services.
Animal Feeding Operations: Regulations for the feeding of animals, including the safety of animal feed and pet food.
II. Dog Law Enforcement Bureau:
Dog Licenses and Kennels: Requirements for dog licensing and the regulation of kennels, including breeding kennels, boarding kennels, and rescue network kennels.
Dangerous Dogs: Provisions for identifying and regulating dangerous dogs.
Damage Reimbursement: Rules for the reimbursement of damages to livestock or poultry caused by dogs or coyotes.
III. Bureau of Food Safety and Laboratory Services:
Food Safety Act and Retail Food Facilities: Extensive regulations concerning food safety, from farm to fork. This includes standards for management and personnel, food operations, equipment, and facilities in retail food establishments (restaurants, grocery stores, etc.). It also covers licensing, inspection, and employee restrictions.
Food Manufacturing, Packing, Holding, and Distribution: Rules for food processing plants, including intentional adulteration prevention, foreign supplier verification, and sanitary transportation of food.
Dairy and Dairy Product Manufacturing: Specific regulations for milk production, processing, and dairy product manufacturing, including testing for milk components.
Egg Quality Assurance Program: Standards for the quality and safety of eggs.
Produce Safety Rule: Regulations aligning with federal standards for the safe production and handling of fresh produce.
IV. Bureau of Market Development:
Agricultural Marketing: Programs and regulations to support the marketing and promotion of Pennsylvania agricultural products.
Weights and Measures: Standards for weights and measures used in commerce, ensuring fair trade practices for agricultural commodities.
Biofuel Development: Regulations related to biofuel production.
V. Bureau of Plant Industry:
Plant Protection: Regulations aimed at preventing the introduction and spread of plant pests and diseases (e.g., Spotted Lanternfly quarantine). This includes nursery and greenhouse inspection.
Pesticide Programs: Licensing and regulation of pesticide products and applicators to ensure safe and effective use.
Agronomic Products: Regulations for fertilizers, lime, and seeds, including licensing for seed distributors and seed testing/certification programs to ensure genetic purity and quality.
Hemp Program: Regulations for industrial hemp cultivation, processing, and labeling, in line with federal guidelines.
Noxious Weeds and Controlled Plants: Identification and control measures for invasive or harmful plant species.
V-C. Farmland and Forest Land:
Agricultural Conservation Easement Purchase Program: Regulations for programs designed to preserve agricultural land by purchasing development rights, preventing conversion to non-agricultural uses. This includes criteria for eligible farms, valuation, and the application process.
Agricultural Security Areas: Rules for establishing agricultural security areas to protect farming operations from nuisance complaints and promote agricultural land use.
Clean and Green Program: Tax assessment program to encourage agricultural and forest land preservation.
VI. Pennsylvania Milk Board:
Milk Marketing Law: Regulations related to the pricing and marketing of milk within the Commonwealth, often including detailed rules for milk testing and record-keeping.
Other Notable Areas:
Sustainable Agriculture: Legislation and programs encouraging environmentally sound and economically viable farming practices.
Farmers' Rights and Obligations: Guidance on issues like wildlife damage to crops and property rights for farmers.
In essence, Pennsylvania Code Title 7 reflects the state's commitment to supporting its agricultural sector, protecting consumers, and stewarding natural resources, encompassing everything from food safety and animal health to land preservation and plant protection.
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