Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding spoke Friday at the second annual breakfast for farmers. Steve Ferris/Butler Eagle

BUTLER TWP — State Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding touched on many issues during a Friday breakfast meeting with farmers.

Redding, who has served as secretary under five governors since 2009, was the guest speaker at the second annual breakfast for farmers hosted by state Rep. Marci Mustello, R-11th, who serves on the House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee.

When Gov. Josh Shapiro took office this year and asked Redding to remain in his position as secretary, Redding agreed and asked him to address two agricultural issues.

He said he asked Shapiro to recognize farms as businesses and to make the process to obtain various permits needed in farming less burdensome.

“We have to address permitting,” Redding said.