HARRISBURG – Legislation has been introduced that would allow more farmers to protect their crops from destruction by nuisance animals. Westmoreland County Rep. Eric Nelson said, “As a farmer, I’ve seen my neighbors lose thousands in crop damage from wildlife, yet current law limits which farms can protect their investments.” Under current law, farmers must show greater than 50% of their annual income is generated from agricultural operations to be granted a “Depredation Permit” from the PA Game Commission. The permit allows farmers to work with their local game wardens to defend their crops outside of Game Commission seasons without bag limits and other restrictions placed on licensed hunters. Wildlife taken under the permit is collected by the Game Commission and donated to Hunters Sharing the Harvest. House Bill 2119 would allow any farm more than 10 acres in size or any farm with an income of at least $10,000 annually to be granted permission to protect their crops throughout the year. The proposal is modeled after the legal definition of a “normal agricultural operation” in Pennsylvania’s Right to Farm Act. The bill is before the PA House Game & Fisheries Committee.
REP. ERIC NELSON