State awards $2.232M to agricultural industry

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture recently awarded $2.232 million in research grants for project proposals statewide.

Research grants address issues critical to sustaining and growing Pennsylvania’s $132.5 billion agriculture industry.

The projects will develop plant-based solutions to reduce threats to human health, reduce the impacts of climate change and measuring soil and water conservation, and tackle emerging animal care issues.

“Investing in research is the first critical step toward solving today’s most costly and complex challenges, and developing innovative solutions to tomorrow’s challenges,” Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding said. “Pennsylvania-based research institutions are on the cutting edge of exciting developments in organic and regenerative agriculture, and in imagining the technology we need to continue to be a national and world agriculture leader. Governor Josh Shapiro has declared agriculture to be a ‘pillar of opportunity’ in Pennsylvania’s economy. These research investments are just one more way the Shapiro Administration is delivering on promises to support the growth of our industry.”

Grant recipients include:

The Rodale Institute in Kutztown, Berks County, was awarded $500,000 to support the institute’s research and training programs in organic and regenerative agriculture.

Pennsylvania State University in University Park, Centre County received $500,000 for its Agriculture and Environment Center and $100,000 for its Agricultural and Shale Law.