PENNSYLVANIA — On Monday, Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding concluded a weeklong tour of projects in Pennsylvania, emphasizing the importance of agriculture in building community strength and economic progress. The tour showcased various initiatives, including urban agriculture, which is seen as vital for the future of the state. These initiatives range from empowering youth and reducing food waste to providing support to new Americans. Overall, the tour highlighted the dedication and passion of Pennsylvanians in uniting their communities through food.
Secretary Redding expressed admiration for inspirational individuals shaping the public’s perception of agriculture. Throughout the journey, devoted Pennsylvanians showcased their passion and unity, driven by the shared foundation of food. From empowering youth and utilizing technology to combatting food waste, urban agriculture is building a better future for Pennsylvania.
At Fresh Food Farms in York, Governor Josh Shapiro joined the tour to announce The GIANT Company’s commitment of $200,000 to support 2023-24 PA Farm Bill Urban Agriculture Infrastructure Grants. The partnership boosts total funding to $700,000 for the state’s program aimed at increasing fresh food access in urban food deserts, addressing historical inequities, and feeding community opportunities to thrive together.
From formerly incarcerated women learning to grow food year-round in a retrofitted freight container, to children with disabilities learning life and job skills with expertly adapted tools, to public school agriculture career and technology students learning to grow produce in soil-less systems using hemp by-products, the tour introduced local and state legislators, educational and economic development officials to projects supported by state investments multiplied by private and corporate partnerships.
Pennsylvania has invested more than $2 million in urban agriculture through the program since 2019. That $2 million investment has leveraged $2 million more in local matching dollars. In total, 113 projects in 19 counties across the state are expanding fresh food access in locations often served by a single convenience store.
Applications open Monday, July 17 for 2023-24 Urban Agriculture Infrastructure Grants. Eligible projects will improve or create programs, sharing resources or pooling agricultural products to build a neighborhood’s access to fresh, local food. Individuals, businesses, community and agricultural organizations in urban communities may apply for either individual “microgrants” or collaborative grants for partnership projects.
Grant applications must be submitted online through the PA Department of Community and Economic Development Electronic Single Application. Applications open Monday, July 17, and are due at 5:00 PM on Sept. 1, 2023.
Full grant guidelines are published in the July 15 edition of the PA Bulletin and at the PA Department of Agriculture.
Find a map of previous grant recipients and details of other PA Farm Bill grants and initiatives to grow and sustain Pennsylvania agriculture at the PA Farm Bill website.
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