Originally published by MyChesCo.

AVONDALE, PA — Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) has been honored with the American Farm Bureau Federation’s “Friend of the Farm Bureau” award. The award is given to elected officials who have shown a dedication to supporting America’s farmers. “I am honored to receive this award for a second time,” said Houlahan in a statement. “During tough times, I’ve always worked hard to have their backs.”

Houlahan went on to say that she is proud to have been able to support her community’s farmers and that the award is a recognition of her and her team’s efforts. “It’s definitely gratifying to receive recognition for my and my team’s efforts on behalf of our farmers,” Houlahan continued.

The recognition letter reads in part:

The American Farm Bureau Federation gives the Friend of Farm Bureau award to members of Congress who have supported Farm Bureau’s position on policy issues, as demonstrated by their voting records, and who were nominated by their respective state Farm Bureaus and approved by the AFBF Board of Directors. The voting records are based on issues selected by the AFBF Board. 

Pennsylvania Farm Bureau President Rick Ebert shared this in response: “On behalf of Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, the state’s largest general farm organization, we’d like to thank U.S. Representative Chrissy Houlahan for supporting legislation that benefits agriculture. The support from our Friend of Farm Bureau recipients helps preserve the future of family farms in Pennsylvania, maintain our ability to produce safe and affordable food for consumers, and provide resources to assist farmers in implementing environmentally friendly practices on the farm. Farm families have been greatly challenged in recent years, and continued support for agriculture is vital to ensure the future success of our industry.”

Houlahan has since continued to work with local farmers on the legislative issues confronting them, prioritizing meetings with farmers during her limited time in the district. Recently, she returned to a pair of Southern Chester County farms to hear firsthand how recent legislation will help farmers as they increase production, while cutting greenhouse gas emissions, and saving money.

“The bills Rep. Houlahan supports help my family finance the new equipment we need to increase our yield while tackling our climate footprint,” commented Anthony Vietri, of Va La Vineyards in Avondale: “We’re glad that Rep. Houlahan continues to focus on the agricultural community. I was glad to update her on the progress we’re making to mitigate the damage from spotted lanternflies on our farm as well. She’s worked to fund the research that farmers like me depend on to combat these invasive pests.”

“Rep. Houlahan’s work is really exciting for dairy farmers especially. She has worked to secure funds for the programs that we know already work, supporting technical assistance and conservation efforts. For us, this means we can put resources towards new technology that will help us save money in the long run,” remarked Walt Moore, of Walmoore Holsteins Dairy Farm in Cochranville. “This investment wouldn’t be possible without Rep. Houlahan, I appreciate her stopping by speak with us.”

Read the full letter of Houlahan’s Farm Bureau award here.