More than $21 million in federally funded grants will go to 77 farms and food manufacturers across Pennsylvania to strengthen the state’s food supply chain, expand local markets, and create jobs.
The funding, awarded through the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) program, will help businesses modernize equipment, improve food safety, and boost capacity to meet demand for fresh, local food.
“Pennsylvania is investing to feed our future through a stronger local supply chain,” Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding said. “This partnership builds on a longstanding tradition of cooperation that benefits our families and economy.”
Four Adams County farms and cooperatives were among the recipients:
- Hollabaugh Bros. will receive $100,000 to install a semi-automated apple-packing line, improving efficiency and enabling sales to six new regional markets. Over 40 local producers are expected to benefit.
- Keystone Tree Crops Cooperative was awarded $80,802 to purchase nut hullers, crackers, mills, and oil pressers. The upgrades will expand production of hickory nut oil and other products, supporting 55 growers.
- Knouse Foods Cooperative will get $100,000 for advanced optical sorting machinery to improve apple processing and safety for 116 cooperative producers.
- Rice Fruit Company was awarded a $1.25 million infrastructure grant to build a controlled atmosphere storage facility, allowing apples from 25 local and regional farms to be stored longer, reducing waste and expanding markets.
The RFSI grants include both infrastructure funding for large system improvements and equipment-only grants for smaller upgrades. Under the program, most recipients must match the funding dollar for dollar; however, historically underserved, women-owned, and veteran-owned businesses qualify for reduced matching requirements.
Governor Shapiro’s administration stated that the investment complements other agricultural initiatives outlined in his economic development strategy and budget proposal, including grants to support innovation, expand organic farming, and combat hunger.
Source: PA Dept of Agriculture