HARRISBURG, PA — Five Pennsylvania agricultural businesses will receive a combined $712,134 in federal grants to expand food processing, distribution and marketing, supporting efforts to increase farm revenue by converting agricultural products into higher-value consumer goods.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development agency awarded the funding through its Value-Added Producer Grant program, which helps agricultural producers develop new products, expand markets and retain more revenue from their operations.
USDA Rural Development Pennsylvania State Director Chris Hoffman detailed the investments during a visit to Folkland Foods in Waterford, Erie County.
The grants range from $49,982 to $199,488 and will support businesses producing specialty vegetables, meat products, processed potatoes and hot sauce.
Farmer’s Kitchen LLC in Erie County received the largest award, $199,488, to expand production and marketing of organic french fries. The funding will cover supplies and other expenses associated with increasing production of fries made with potatoes grown using regenerative agricultural practices and cooked in olive oil.
USDA estimates the project could expand the company’s customer base by approximately 2,900.
Davis Grown, a family-owned farm operated by Bradley Davis in Schuylkill County, will receive $186,346 to increase processing and sales of products derived from pasture-raised eggs and livestock.
The farm raises beef cattle, pigs, chickens and turkeys. Its grant will support marketing, supplies and distribution while increasing processing capacity and labor resources.
The agency projects the investment could add approximately 1,300 customers.
Family Farm Direct LLC in Waynesboro, Franklin County, secured $145,838 to expand processing and manufacturing of dry-aged Angus beef and pet jerky.
The funding will support supplies, distribution and processing improvements intended to increase the value of the company’s beef production. USDA estimates the project could expand its customer base by approximately 30,700, the largest projected increase among the five recipients.
Apple Ridge Farm LLC in Saylorsburg, Monroe County, will receive $130,480 to support production and distribution of fermented vegetable products, including sauerkraut and kimchi.
The investment covers marketing, production expansion, supplies, processing and distribution expenses. USDA projects approximately 6,500 additional customers.
FarmerJawn Foods LLC, a Philadelphia-based agricultural business founded in 2018, received $49,982 to expand production of Field Hot Sauce, made from jalapeños grown on its farms.
The company operates a 128-acre farming business across three sites, with an on-farm retail store, a community-supported agriculture program, a farmers market stand and 13 wholesale customers.
The federal funding will support processing, manufacturing, supplies and distribution of the hot sauce, with USDA projecting an increase of approximately 6,900 customers.
Collectively, the five projects are projected to expand the recipients’ customer bases by approximately 48,300, based on USDA estimates. Those figures represent anticipated business growth rather than confirmed sales or customers.
“Rural entrepreneurship is the heart of thriving communities,” Hoffman stated. “Supporting the innovation and vision of our local business owners creates opportunities throughout the state and builds on Pennsylvania’s strengths.”
U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly, whose 16th Congressional District includes Erie County, emphasized the program’s role in helping agricultural producers capture more revenue from their products.
“Value-Added Producer Grants ensure local farmers and businesses can boost producer income, enhance product value, and provide fresh, nutritious products to more consumers across the Commonwealth and across the United States,” Kelly explained.
The Value-Added Producer Grant program is part of USDA Rural Development’s broader business assistance efforts, which provide financing and technical support for agricultural processing, business expansion and rural economic development.
The Pennsylvania awards focus on businesses seeking to move beyond the sale of raw agricultural commodities by financing processing, product development and market expansion.
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