The second round of grants through the nation’s first Agricultural Innovation Grant Program earmarks $9.7 million to support 97 projects and leverage $4.8 million in private investment — putting innovative technology into practice to help Pennsylvania agricultural businesses improve efficiency and increase production, protect soil and water resources, and generate clean, renewable energy.
Agriculture is critical to Pennsylvania’s economy, with more than 48,800 farms supporting 600,000 jobs and contributing $132.5 billion annually.
“Over 250 years, Pennsylvania farmers have shown unwavering commitment to caring for our land and water, while feeding a growing population,” said Agriculture Secretary Redding. “Our industry has been a model of responsible growth, despite ever-increasing challenges from extreme weather, erratic supply costs, changing consumer preferences, and rapidly changing technology.”
Grants will reimburse expenses for project completion or planning and include individual projects as larger-scale projects with a regional or statewide impact. Projects include technologies that improve efficiency, generate energy while reducing food and nutrient waste, and support crops that store carbon or replace non-renewable resources.
The program received an overwhelming response, with the Department of Agriculture receiving more than $68 million in funding requests. The grants will help to accelerate the adoption of innovative practices that will benefit not only farmers but the long-term sustainability and productivity of the entire region.
Secretary Redding announced that applications for the third year of the grant program will be accepted beginning September 1.
