By Blake Jackson
The Shapiro Administration has announced over $21 million in federally funded grants to support 77 farms and food manufacturers across Pennsylvania.
These investments aim to expand processing capacity, promote economic growth, and create new opportunities throughout the state’s food supply chain.
“Pennsylvania is investing to feed our future through a stronger local supply chain, which means healthier communities, thriving businesses, more job opportunities, and more resilience in challenging times,” said Department of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding. “Historically, partnerships with the federal government have expanded Pennsylvania’s capacity to feed local growth. This partnership builds on that longstanding tradition of cooperation that benefits our national and local economy as well as families across Pennsylvania.”
Funding comes from Pennsylvania’s Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) program, part of a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Governor Josh Shapiro introduced this initiative at the 2024 Pennsylvania Farm Show.
The program offers matching grants to improve food processing, distribution, and aggregation to meet increasing demand for locally sourced, fresh food. While most recipients are required to provide a dollar-for-dollar match, historically underserved, women-owned, and veteran-owned small businesses need only contribute 25 percent.
Grants will help recipients upgrade equipment, enhance safety, and modernize facilities. These improvements will allow producers to expand their offerings and better link farmers with consumers.
The RFSI program includes two funding categories: Infrastructure Grants for broader supply chain improvements and Equipment-Only Grants for essential upgrades or new purchases.
This initiative complements the Shapiro Administration’s broader efforts to boost agriculture, including programs like PA Preferred Organic, the Organic Center of Excellence, Agricultural Innovation Grants, and the Fresh Food Financing Initiative.
Governor Shapiro’s 2025-26 budget proposal reflects his commitment to agriculture and manufacturing. It includes $13 million in new funding for the Agriculture Innovation Grant Program, $4 million increases for both the Pennsylvania Agricultural Surplus System and the State Food Purchase Program, and $13.5 million to continue the Pennsylvania Farm Bill.
A full list of RFSI grant recipients, including grant amounts, types, and project summaries, is available by county here.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-fatcamera
Categories: Pennsylvania, Government & Policy