HARRISBURG, PA — Four Pennsylvania farms and agricultural businesses will receive more than $670,000 in federal funding to expand food production, manufacturing, and specialty agricultural products under a U.S. Department of Agriculture rural development program.
What This Means for You
- Four Pennsylvania agricultural businesses received federal grants to expand operations and reach new markets.
- Projects include beef processing, kefir production, wool yarn manufacturing, and apple product processing.
- Federal officials say the investments are intended to strengthen small farm sustainability and rural economies.
The grants were announced by Jeremy Wilson through USDA Rural Development’s Value-Added Producer Grant program.
Value-added agricultural products are farm goods that have been processed or modified to increase their market value, such as turning milk into kefir, wool into yarn, or apples into cider and applesauce.
“Rural Development’s Value-Added Producer Grant enhances the ingenuity, creativity, and hard work of rural producers,” Wilson said. “The grant allows local farms and other businesses to grow and expand into larger markets and fill needs within the community.”
Beef and Dairy Projects Receive Largest Grants
Vistamont Farms LLC in Scenery Hill, Washington County, received a $250,000 grant to support production and marketing of beef products including smoked meats and tallow.
Federal officials said the funding will help cover marketing, supplies, shipping, and labor costs. The project is expected to add approximately 950 customers and increase revenue by about $70,000 over three years.
Woods Beach LLC, a dairy operation in Douglassville, Berks County, received $203,014 to expand production and distribution of whole milk kefir made from Ayrshire cow milk.
Kefir is a fermented dairy drink containing probiotic cultures commonly marketed for digestive health benefits.
According to USDA Rural Development, the project is expected to increase the farm’s customer base by 20,000 and raise revenue by roughly $667,000 over three years.
Smaller Farms Also Receive Support
Kistaco Farm in Apollo, Armstrong County, received a $6,393 grant to purchase processing supplies for products including applesauce and apple cider.
Officials estimate the project could add approximately 520 customers and increase revenue by nearly $8,900 within one year.
Friends of Fern Hall LLC in Susquehanna County received $214,474 for wool yarn production used in products such as sweaters and hats.
The funding will support marketing, supplies, and manufacturing-related processing costs tied to the farm’s wool operation.
USDA officials said the project is projected to increase the business’s customer base by 7,100 and generate roughly $945,000 in additional revenue over two years.
Federal Program Targets Rural Business Growth
USDA Rural Development said its business programs are designed to support rural business expansion through financial assistance and technical support.
The agency works with financial institutions and community organizations to provide capital, equipment, workforce training, and other resources intended to help businesses start or expand operations.
Officials said businesses seeking more information about USDA Rural Development business programs can contact the agency’s Business Programs office at 717-237-2189.
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