HARRISBURG, PA — Governor Josh Shapiro’s proposed $10 million Agriculture Innovation Program has advanced with strong bipartisan support from the House Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee. House Bill 2310, which establishes the program, aims to address complex agricultural and environmental challenges, ensuring Pennsylvania’s $132.5 billion agriculture industry remains a national leader.
The bill amends Title 3 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, creating the Agriculture Innovation Grant Program and setting regulations. The House removed it from the table on June 5, 2024.
“Agriculture innovation means finding new and better ways to make farming more profitable, efficient, and sustainable,” said Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding. “Developing new ideas and technology, then putting those innovations into practice on the farm are steps one and two toward solving today’s most costly and complex challenges in both our environment and our economy. Step three is investing. Innovation doesn’t become reality without all three steps.
“Governor Shapiro’s proposed $10 million Agriculture Innovation Fund is an investment that will keep Pennsylvania on the cutting edge of exciting developments in conservation and regenerative agriculture. We are pleased the General Assembly is putting their support behind that investment.”
The program would allow the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture to offer grants to farmers and agriculture businesses to adopt new technologies and practices. These innovations aim to increase efficiency, generate renewable energy, and enhance soil and water resources.
Examples of potential projects include technology that improves farm operations or processing efficiency, generates energy while reducing nutrient waste, or supports crops that store carbon or replace non-renewable resources.
The Agriculture Innovation Fund will build on existing conservation efforts by the Shapiro Administration. This includes an additional $1.5 million from Pennsylvania’s Clean Streams Fund’s Nutrient Management Program for conservation research. The Clean Streams Fund, which incorporates the Agricultural Conservation Assistance Program, was established with $220 million from the federal American Rescue Plan Act.
Transforming Pennsylvania’s Agriculture: Sustainable Practices for a Brighter Future
The importance of this initiative extends beyond immediate agricultural benefits. By promoting sustainable practices, Pennsylvania can ensure long-term environmental health and economic stability. The program’s focus on renewable energy and conservation aligns with broader efforts to combat climate change and reduce reliance on non-renewable resources.
Moreover, this initiative could serve as a model for other states looking to modernize their agricultural sectors. By investing in innovation, Pennsylvania positions itself as a leader in sustainable farming, potentially attracting more research and development opportunities.
In summary, the Agriculture Innovation Program represents a significant step towards modernizing Pennsylvania’s agriculture industry. With broad bipartisan support, the initiative aims to make farming more sustainable and profitable while addressing critical environmental challenges. As House Bill 2310 moves closer to becoming law, it promises to reinforce Pennsylvania’s commitment to innovative and sustainable agriculture.
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