STATE COLLEGE, PA — On Monday, Governor Josh Shapiro, accompanied by Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding, announced the launch of the $10 million Agricultural Innovation Grant Program at a ceremonial bill signing at Pennsylvania State University’s Dairy Research and Teaching Complex. This first-of-its-kind initiative, embedded in the 2024-25 budget, exemplifies Pennsylvania’s efforts to lead the nation in agricultural innovation and sustainable practices.
The agriculture sector is a cornerstone of Pennsylvania’s economy, with over 53,000 farms contributing $132 billion annually and supporting over 600,000 jobs. Recognizing this, Governor Shapiro emphasized agriculture’s central role in his economic development strategy, stating, “In my Administration, we know economic growth and opportunity flow right through our farmlands.” The governor underscored the $10 million secured for the Agricultural Innovation Grant Program as a pivotal step toward ensuring Pennsylvania’s leadership in agriculture, noting the potential for “game-changing projects” that could revolutionize farming practices.
Penn State University, renowned for its cutting-edge agricultural research, plays a crucial role in this initiative. Secretary Redding highlighted the university’s contributions, stating, “Penn State’s world-class agriculture research farms, engineering facilities, and veterinary labs are where innovation is born.” This new investment aims to translate research into practical applications, making a tangible difference for Pennsylvania’s farmers and the broader community.
The grant program, administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, will offer financial support to farmers and agricultural businesses for implementing new technologies and conservation practices. It aims to enhance profitability, soil and water resource management, and energy production on farms. The program addresses real-world challenges such as data collection, biosecurity, and sustainability, setting a new standard for agricultural practices.
Representative Paul Takac expressed the program’s critical importance, stating, “Agriculture is Pennsylvania’s number one industry… As the pace of agricultural research, discovery, and innovation continues to accelerate, it is important that we help PA farmers and businesses take full advantage.” He lauded the program’s potential to foster economic resiliency and environmental sustainability.
Dr. Troy Ott, Dean of Penn State University’s College of Agricultural Sciences, expressed gratitude for the leadership that brought this initiative to fruition. “This program will provide grants for implementation of innovations that increase production efficiency, encourage sustainable practices, utilize renewable energy, and sequester carbon,” he said.
Dr. Christina Grozinger, a leading figure in agricultural research at Penn State, highlighted the potential of technology to transform farming. “Advances in technology, including robotics and artificial intelligence, can help make farming easier, more productive and profitable, and more sustainable,” she noted.
Grant guidelines and application procedures are expected to be published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin on September 28, 2024. Applications for the grant will open on September 30, 2024. This initiative not only strengthens the state’s economy but also sets a precedent for agricultural practices nationwide, ensuring Pennsylvania remains at the forefront of agricultural excellence.
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