WORCESTER, PA — Pennsylvania officials are expanding efforts to connect students with disabilities to agriculture careers through accessible hands-on training programs designed to prepare the next generation of workers for one of the state’s largest industries.
What This Means for You
- Pennsylvania is funding accessible agriculture training programs for students with disabilities.
- State officials say agriculture employers need more young workers and skilled labor.
- The Shapiro administration has increased funding for apprenticeships, career education, and agricultural workforce programs.
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and Variety – The Children’s Charity of the Delaware Valley hosted students Thursday for Farm City Day, an agriculture career exploration event focused on making agricultural education more accessible for students of all abilities.
The event highlighted state investments totaling $62,320 to help Variety expand accessible gardens and greenhouses used for vocational agriculture training. According to the administration, upgrades include raised planting beds, widened pathways, lowered potting benches, accessible sinks, and horizontal trellises designed for wheelchair and walker users.
Officials framed the initiative as part of a broader workforce strategy aimed at addressing labor shortages in Pennsylvania agriculture while expanding career opportunities for students with disabilities.
Pennsylvania currently leads the nation in the percentage of farmers under age 35, according to the administration.
Students Explore Agriculture Careers
During Farm City Day, students explored organic gardens and greenhouses, interacted with farm animals, and participated in hands-on demonstrations involving soil health, composting, and food production. Activities included using a life-size cow milking simulator and learning how agriculture intersects with science and technology education.
Russell Redding described agriculture as an industry increasingly dependent on innovation and problem-solving skills.
“Students here today may be the ones who dream up the technology and innovation that will shape our agriculture industry and feed our families tomorrow,” Redding said.
Redding also argued students with disabilities bring valuable adaptive skills that can help address future agricultural challenges tied to climate, technology, and changing markets.
Variety CEO Dominique Bernardo said the program combines accessible vocational training with real-world agricultural experience.
“We are helping students understand the vital role agriculture plays in our communities while preparing them with skills for future careers,” Bernardo said.
Workforce Development Push
Nancy A. Walker connected the event to the administration’s broader workforce development strategy.
“Every student deserves the chance to explore careers that match their interests, talents, and abilities,” Walker said. “Farm City Day helps students connect classroom learning to real-world opportunities in agriculture, science, technology, and innovation.”
According to the administration, agriculture supports one in ten Pennsylvania jobs and contributes $132.5 billion annually to the state economy.
The administration also highlighted several workforce and agriculture initiatives launched under Governor Josh Shapiro, including:
- Five new agriculture apprenticeship programs
- Nearly $65 million in additional career and technical education funding
- Continued $13.8 million annual funding for the PA Farm Bill
- A proposed $12.5 million Workforce and Economic Development Network appropriation
Additional Agriculture Investments
Officials additionally promoted the administration’s Agricultural Innovation Program, which has funded projects on 186 farms statewide. Applications are currently under review for a second $10 million grant round that attracted more than 317 applicants requesting approximately $73 million in funding.
The governor’s proposed 2026-27 budget also includes a proposed $9 million increase for the innovation program and continued funding for the PA Farm Bill for an eighth consecutive year.
Additional information about the administration’s agriculture initiatives is available at Governor Josh Shapiro Budget Information.
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