By Blake Jackson
Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding has announced a $2.187 million investment in 27 research grants aimed at advancing Pennsylvania's agricultural sector.
These grants will support industry in addressing technological developments, climate challenges, diseases, and marketplace changes.
“Research is the first critical step to developing the innovations Pennsylvania agriculture needs to stay on the cutting edge of the industry,” said Secretary Redding. “These research grants are part of a comprehensive package of investments the Shapiro Administration is making to keep Pennsylvania agriculture growing, and a national leader in years to come.”
“In my Administration, we know economic growth and opportunity flow right through our farmlands and that is why we put agriculture front and center in the bipartisan budget I signed this summer,” said Governor Josh Shapiro. “We’re proud to announce this $2.2 million investment in research and innovation as we continue working to ensure Pennsylvania leads the nation in agriculture. This initiative along with our first-in-the-nation ag innovation fund is going to help fund game-changing projects, and thanks to our bipartisan work, the future of farming is happening right here in Pennsylvania."
Along with these 27 grants, last month, Governor Shapiro introduced a $10 million Agricultural Innovation Grant Program.
Secured in the 2024-25 state budget, this program is open for applications through November 15 and aims to put research findings into practical use on Pennsylvania farms. It will fund new technologies and solutions, helping to shape the future of American agriculture.
Some of the grant recipients include:
- Center for Dairy Excellence, Dauphin County: $22,248 to conduct a survey of dairy farmer demographics, environmental sustainability, biosecurity, and other challenges.
- Cheyney University, Philadelphia County: $46,824 to assess food fish aquaculture in Pennsylvania.
- MYCOguard, Chester County: $100,000 to research peat alternatives.
- Pasa Sustainable Agriculture, Berks County: $82,375 to grow climate-resilient farms through soil health benchmarking.
- Rodale Institute, Berks County: $500,000 to prepare a skilled agricultural workforce and promote sustainable farming.
Additional grants include projects at Penn State University and University of Pennsylvania, addressing various issues such as bee population monitoring, robotic solutions for sustainable weed management, and exploring technology to detect sick calves.
The University of Pittsburgh will assess tick-borne pathogens to improve animal health. These investments reflect Pennsylvania's commitment to sustaining its agricultural industry through research, innovation, and community engagement.
Click here for the complete recipients and amounts of research grants announced.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-kotenko-a
Categories: Pennsylvania, Government & Policy