State agriculture industry receives more than $2M in grant funding

The state recently awarded seven Pennsylvania organizations more than $2 million in grants for research on issues critical to sustaining and growing the state’s agriculture industry.

The projects range from those improving soil and water quality to those addressing issues faced by farms.

“Keeping pace with rapid changes in climate and technology and sustaining growth in Pennsylvania’s $132.5 billion agriculture industry demands investment in research and development,” Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding said. “These investments spur innovations that increase productivity; advance human and animal medicine; and produce cleaner water, healthier soil and a safer food supply.”

Grant recipients are:

Western Pennsylvania Conservancy in Pittsburgh received $30,667 for at-risk butterflies and bees of barrens.

Delaware Valley University in Doylestown received $59,665 for tomatoes and peppers.

Team Ag in Ephrata received $90,000 for connecting farmers using regenerative farming practices to draw down carbon with capital.

Rodale Institute in Kutztown received two grants totaling $627,887 for projects examining organic soil and vegetables and the impact of pollution.

Temple University in Philadelphia received three grants totaling $218,926 for studying invasive plants, wild pollinator populations, and the spotted lanternfly invasion.

Pennsylvania State University in State College received nine grants totaling $904,158.

The University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in Philadelphia received six grants totaling $214,682.