BLOOMSBURG, PA — A Columbia County orchard is expanding operations and increasing local food production after receiving more than $200,000 in state-backed funding, as Pennsylvania officials push to strengthen local agriculture and food access.
What This Means for You
- State grants are helping farms expand production and keep food local
- Funding targets rising costs and supply chain challenges
- New grant rounds are open for farms and food businesses statewide
Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding toured OHF Orchards on Wednesday to highlight how state investments are supporting the veteran-run operation’s growth and its ability to supply fresh food to the community.
Funding Driving Farm Expansion
OHF Orchards received $99,536 through the Pennsylvania Fresh Food Financing Initiative, along with more than $125,000 in additional state and federal-backed support.
The funding is being used to expand cold storage capacity, reduce spoilage, and improve efficiency—steps that allow the orchard to meet growing local demand for apples.
“While costs are rising for farmers and families alike, Pennsylvania is investing to help consumers recognize and access fresh, locally produced food, and keep more dollars right here, in the pockets of farmers and families, making our economy stronger,” Redding said.
What the Program Does
The Fresh Food Financing Initiative provides grants to businesses that sell food directly to consumers, including grocery stores, farm markets, and mobile markets.
Priority is given to businesses located in “food deserts,” defined as areas with limited access to fresh food, as well as women-, minority-, and veteran-owned businesses.
Officials said the program is designed to strengthen local supply chains by helping farms reduce costs tied to storage, transportation, and retail operations.
Broader State Investment Strategy
State officials announced that up to $2 million in additional Fresh Food Financing Initiative grants is now available in a new application round.
Since reviving the program, the state has secured $6 million in funding and distributed $3.4 million across 23 counties to expand access to locally produced food.
In addition, OHF Orchards received $116,689 through the state’s Agricultural Innovation Grant Program to support new orchard management technologies and production improvements, along with a $40,495 infrastructure grant to improve storage efficiency.
Challenges Facing Farmers
Officials said farms continue to face rising costs for fuel, fertilizer, equipment, and distribution, along with uncertainty tied to federal funding changes and canceled contracts.
The state has responded by increasing funding for food assistance programs and pursuing legal action to restore certain federal support for food purchasing programs.
Economic Impact and Next Steps
Pennsylvania’s agriculture sector supports more than 48,800 farms, nearly 600,000 jobs, and contributes $132.5 billion annually to the state’s economy.
Officials said continued investment in grant programs and infrastructure is intended to help farms remain competitive while improving access to fresh, locally sourced food.
More information on available grants and eligibility can be found at https://www.pa.gov/agriculture.
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