PITTSBURGH, PA — The Shapiro Administration kicked off its 2025 Urban Agriculture Tour on Monday at Pittsburgh’s Bidwell Training Center, spotlighting major investments aimed at expanding fresh food access, creating local jobs, and building a more equitable food system across Pennsylvania.
Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding, Acting Education Secretary Dr. Carrie Rowe, and Community and Economic Development Secretary Rick Siger joined local leaders to highlight the ongoing greenhouse expansion at Bidwell, made possible through the state’s Agricultural Innovation Grant program. The facility is training urban students for careers in culinary arts and horticulture while providing fresh food to communities facing food insecurity.
“Feeding opportunities for growth and economic prosperity in urban neighborhoods feeds all of our futures,” said Secretary Redding, emphasizing the administration’s focus on strengthening local economies and supporting healthier communities.
The weeklong tour will feature stops across Pennsylvania, showcasing community-driven efforts to improve access to healthy food, break down economic and social barriers, and train the next generation of agricultural leaders.
Governor Josh Shapiro’s administration has prioritized urban agriculture through multiple funding initiatives. Earlier this year, the state awarded $10 million in Agricultural Innovation grants to 88 projects across 46 counties, including Bidwell’s high-tech greenhouse upgrades. Additionally, $500,000 in Urban Agriculture Infrastructure Grants were awarded in March to support projects in ten counties.
Since 2019, Pennsylvania has invested more than $3.2 million in urban agriculture, funding 160 projects in 19 counties. These initiatives support greenhouses, off-grid systems, cold storage, and tools that help local organizations expand fresh food availability and promote economic and community development.
State Representative Emily Kinkead praised the effort, noting that investments in urban farming go beyond food production by fostering equity and preparing future generations to tackle food insecurity.
Governor Shapiro’s proposed 2025–26 budget includes plans to further expand these programs, adding $13 million for Agricultural Innovation Grants and increasing funding to connect low-income residents with fresh, local food.
With urban agriculture now seen as a vital component of Pennsylvania’s economic development strategy, the administration aims to strengthen the state’s $132.5 billion agriculture industry while improving quality of life for communities across the Commonwealth.
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