Pennsylvania Code Title 7 - AGRICULTURE
Overview
The Pennsylvania Code, Title 7 – Agriculture contains the rules and regulations issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. These rules implement state laws related to agriculture, food safety, animal health, plant protection, pesticide use, and the regulation of agricultural businesses. Title 7 ensures that farming, food production, and agricultural commerce in Pennsylvania are safe, fair, and sustainable.
The rules apply to farmers, agribusinesses, food processors, animal owners, and pesticide applicators. They provide standards for plant and animal health, food handling, agricultural commerce, and environmental protection related to agriculture.
Major Divisions and Topics
Title 7 is organized into several parts, each covering a specific area of agriculture:
1. Animal Health and Livestock
Livestock disease control: Rules for preventing, reporting, and managing diseases like avian influenza, tuberculosis, and brucellosis.
Animal identification and movement: Requirements for tagging, tracking, and transporting animals to prevent disease spread.
Animal welfare: Minimum care standards for farm animals, including housing, feeding, and humane treatment.
Quarantine procedures: Rules for restricting the movement of animals during disease outbreaks.
2. Plant Industry and Crop Protection
Plant pests and diseases: Rules for controlling harmful insects, fungi, and other pathogens that threaten crops.
Nursery and greenhouse regulations: Standards for selling plants, trees, and shrubs to prevent the spread of pests.
Seed and fertilizer regulations: Guidelines for labeling, testing, and selling seeds and fertilizers to ensure quality and safety.
3. Food Safety and Dairy
Food inspection and handling: Rules governing the processing, packaging, and sale of food products to ensure they are safe for consumption.
Milk and dairy products: Licensing, inspection, and sanitation requirements for dairy farms, milk processing plants, and dairy product sales.
Eggs and poultry products: Standards for handling, storage, and sale of eggs and poultry to prevent contamination.
4. Pesticides and Fertilizers
Pesticide application rules: Licensing requirements for pesticide applicators, safe application methods, and record-keeping.
Pesticide storage and disposal: Safe handling, storage, and disposal to protect people and the environment.
Fertilizer standards: Rules for labeling, composition, and safe use to prevent soil and water contamination.
5. Agricultural Business and Commerce
Grain inspection and marketing: Standards for buying, selling, storing, and grading grain products.
Licensing of agricultural businesses: Requirements for farms, food processors, feed distributors, and other agribusinesses.
Weights and measures: Standards for scales, measuring devices, and packaging to ensure fair trade in agricultural products.
6. Environmental Protection in Agriculture
Manure and waste management: Rules to safely store and apply animal manure to protect water quality.
Water use and irrigation: Guidelines for irrigation practices that conserve water and prevent pollution.
Soil conservation: Standards to prevent erosion and maintain healthy farmland.
7. Miscellaneous Programs
Pest eradication programs: Programs for invasive species like gypsy moths or harmful weeds.
Agricultural research and extension: Rules supporting farm research and education programs.
Emergency response: Rules for handling agricultural emergencies, such as disease outbreaks, floods, or droughts.
How the Rules Work
Farmers, businesses, and organizations must follow these rules to operate legally in Pennsylvania.
The Department of Agriculture inspects, licenses, and enforces compliance with these rules.
Violations can result in fines, penalties, or suspension of licenses.
Citizens and industry participants may report violations or request inspections.
Purpose and Importance
Title 7 protects:
Public health – through safe food, milk, and animal health standards.
Agricultural economy – by ensuring fair trade, high-quality seeds, and safe products.
Environment – by regulating pesticide use, waste, and soil conservation.
Animal and plant health – by controlling disease, pests, and invasive species.
Overall, it provides a comprehensive framework for sustainable and responsible agriculture in Pennsylvania.
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