State Representatives Eric Nelson and Jake Banta have introduced new legislation aimed at expanding crop damage protections for Pennsylvania farmers. The proposed bill would change the requirements for obtaining a “Depredation Permit” from the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC), which allows farmers to protect their crops from nuisance animals outside of regular hunting seasons.
Currently, only farmers who can prove that more than 50% of their annual income comes from agricultural operations are eligible for these permits. This restriction has excluded some farmers, especially those with off-farm jobs, from participating in the program.
“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,” said Nelson. “This bill enables more farmers to protect their crops. It’s a grassroots effort that came from conversations with Westmoreland County families excluded from the program because they had jobs off the farm. Rep. Banta and I worked with the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture to fix the issue.”
Under this permit system, wildlife taken is collected by the PGC and donated to Hunters Sharing the Harvest, supporting families in need.
“This win-win legislation helps farmers protect their investment and increases donated meat to families who need it,” Banta explained. “Wildlife isn’t eating grass; it is eating crops. This legislation is needed to support livelihoods.”
The proposed changes would allow any farm larger than 10 acres or any farm earning at least $10,000 annually to qualify for depredation permits. The proposal draws on language from Pennsylvania’s Right to Farm Act defining a “normal agricultural operation.” If passed, supporters say this could help more farmers defend their crops throughout the year and potentially reduce insurance claims due to crop losses.
