In a gesture of appreciation toward the underrecognized, the Shapiro Administration recently honored the first-ever Pennsylvania Farmworkers of the Year at a ceremony held at Hollabaugh Brothers' farm. Cutting through the sector's unassuming daily grind, Jose Mateos, Stephen "Cowboy" Kulp, and Charles "Cam" Bishop emerged as the recipients of this new acknowledgment, saluting their contributions to Pennsylvania's robust agriculture sector, cited as sustaining over 593,000 jobs and contributing $132.5 billion to the state’s economy.
The recognition puts a human face to the vast network of individuals that keep the state's larder stocked and its economic engine purring. Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding, joined by Secretary of Labor & Industry Nancy A. Walker and State Representative Torren Ecker among others, expressed their gratitude for the tireless work of the farmhands, food processors, and every single, supporting role intricately woven into this critical industry's fabric. As Redding underscored at the event, "Skilled, diligent team-players like Jose, Stephen, and Charles feed our families, inspire their coworkers and are the foundation of their employers' success," according to an interview published on PAcast.
These first recipients carry stories of hard work and dedication to a sector that's all too often glanced over in the broader narratives of economic success stories. With bespoke honor to their names, Jose Mateos from Hollabaugh Brothers, Stephen Kulp of the Clemens Food Group, and Cam Bishop of the Pennsylvania Packinghouse are recognized not just for their roles within their respective organizations, but for underpinning a bigger picture – the propagation of a secure food supply across the region.
PA State Council of Farm Organizations President Kimberly Paley joined the chorus of appreciation, implying that the recognition of such central figures within the agricultural landscape is overdue. In the renewing words, or rather a renewed consciousness, Governor Josh Shapiro's administration reaffirms that agriculture is not just a relic of Pennsylvania's heritage, but a vibrant, pressing key to its economic future. "The Shapiro Administration applauds the contributions agriculture workers make to our communities and our economy and to every one of our daily lives," Redding further stated, emphasizing the governor's commitment to the industry since taking office.
