Pennsylvania Invests $500,000 to Aid Erie Grape Growers

By Blake Jackson

Pennsylvania has committed $500,000 through the Pennsylvania Agricultural Surplus System (PASS) to purchase, process, and transport 350 tons of Concord grapes from 11 Erie-area growers after their contracted buyer unexpectedly canceled purchases earlier this year.

The grapes will be processed by New York-based CK Natural into 100% juice concentrate and distributed through Feeding Pennsylvania’s network of food banks.

“PASS is a highly effective tool to provide a market for Pennsylvania farmers for their surplus crops while helping to feed our neighbors in need,” Secretary Redding said.

“In March, the Shapiro Administration committed to doing everything we can to help farmers facing a sudden loss of a buyer. Under Governor Josh Shapiro’s leadership, Pennsylvania has kept our promises, stepping up for farmers when crisis hits, using programs and partnerships creatively and effectively to meet the needs of Pennsylvania businesses while feeding families who need our help.”

The concentrate will be pasteurized without additives and will produce three 64-ounce bottles of juice from every quart, providing a nutritious source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals while lowering transportation costs.

"We are fortunate to have an administration that consistently invests in agriculture and the charitable food system through PASS," said Feeding Pennsylvania CEO Julie Bancroft.

"This project exemplifies PASS's purpose — supporting Pennsylvania farmers during unpredictable market downturns and weather challenges, while ensuring that healthy, local products reach families who need them most."

Since its launch in 2016, PASS has invested $42 million to purchase nearly 49.8 million pounds of surplus Pennsylvania-grown food, helping reduce waste while strengthening food security. The initiative has provided more than 41.1 million meals to 10.6 million households across the state.

The administration also highlighted additional actions supporting agriculture, including legal efforts to restore federal food purchasing funds, emergency assistance for growers affected by the 2026 freeze, expanded food security investments, and continued funding proposals aimed at strengthening Pennsylvania agriculture through innovation, infrastructure, and animal health research.

Photo Credit: pexels-joerg-hartmann