Governor Josh Shapiro announced recipients of $10 million in grants through the nation’s first Agricultural Innovation Grant Program. This funding will help Pennsylvania agricultural businesses adopt innovative technologies and practices to enhance conservation and implement clean energy solutions — boosting profits, protecting soil and water resources, and generating more clean, renewable energy.
“Our farmers form the backbone of our economy here in Pennsylvania — they put food on our tables and in our stores and restaurants every day. If we want to compete and succeed as a Commonwealth, then we have to invest in them,” said Governor Shapiro. “We are announcing investments in game-changing projects that are fueling the future of farming in Pennsylvania — and giving farmers and ag producers the tools they need to get ahead. The future of our economic success and opportunity runs through our farmlands, and we are going to continue to invest in agricultural innovation in my Administration.”
“As our farmers face increasing demands to feed a growing population while continuing their legacy of environmental stewardship, this fund will help power our farm and food businesses to meet those challenges,” said Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding. “These investments ensure that Pennsylvania’s agricultural industry can continue to thrive and innovate for years to come.”
Governor Shapiro announced 88 awardees from 45 counties, representing 31 Pennsylvania-produced commodities and 40 areas of innovation. Grants will reimburse expenses for project planning and implementation, as well as larger-scale projects with a regional impact. These projects include technologies that improve efficiency, generate energy while reducing nutrient waste, and support crops that store carbon or replace non-renewable resources.
The Agricultural Innovation Grant Program was proposed as part of Governor Shapiro’s 2024-2025 budget and championed by Representative Paul Takac, prime sponsor of the corresponding legislation, which passed with broad bipartisan support.
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.
Agriculture is critical to Pennsylvania’s economy, with more than 53,000 farms supporting over 600,000 jobs and contributing $132.5 billion annually. Governor Shapiro’s Economic Development Strategy places agriculture at the forefront, recognizing that a thriving agricultural industry is key to powering the Commonwealth’s economic growth. Since taking office in 2022, the Governor has prioritized additional funding to support new businesses and reinforce Pennsylvania’s national reputation as a leader in agriculture.
Adams County grant recipients are as follows:
Adams County Nursery – $30,000 for the development and installation of an advanced harvesting system for fruit crops.
Bonnie Brae Fruit Farms – $40,000 for installation of state-of-the-art spray technology, including Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) remote sensing components.
Erik Larson- $150,000 to upgrade sorting technology for improved fruit processing.
Gettysburg Energy & Nutrient Recovery Facility – $40,000 for converting poultry waste into renewable energy.
Kime’s Cider Mill – $80,000 for installation of advanced refrigeration technology.
Kuhn Orchards – $19,000 for the use of drone technology in precision chemical and fertilizer application.
Rice Fruit Company – $130,000 to implement a robotic bin-tipper system
Robby V Sebright – $40,000 for advanced ventilation systems for optimal dairy farm conditions.
Source: Governor’s Press Office