Governor Josh Shapiro visited Schuylkill County to reaffirm his administration’s commitment to Pennsylvania farmers. His focus was on expanding agricultural innovation through increased funding in 2025.
Shapiro emphasized the state’s vital farming economy and proposed a $13 million addition to the Agricultural Innovation Grant Program.
What Happened
Governor Shapiro traveled to Schuylkill County this week to spotlight efforts supporting the agriculture industry in Pennsylvania.
He met with farmers and agriculture leaders to discuss funding, technology, and the future of farming in the state.
Key Details
- Agricultural Innovation Fund: Launched by the Shapiro administration in 2024, the program is the first of its kind nationwide.
- Funding Gap: The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture received nearly $70 million in grant requests, but only $10 million was available.
- New Proposal: Shapiro is now advocating for an additional $13 million in 2025 to meet the high demand and drive innovation.
Reactions or Statements
“We’ve got to invest again,” said Governor Shapiro.
He emphasized the importance of listening to farmers and providing the capital necessary to help them thrive.
The governor added that Pennsylvania’s agriculture sector contributes $132 billion annually to the state’s economy.
What’s Next
If approved, the additional $13 million in funding would help support more agriculture innovation projects statewide.
Farmers and agribusinesses are expected to benefit from increased access to technology, research, and capital investments.
The proposal will be reviewed as part of the upcoming state budget negotiations.
FAQs
Q: What is the Agriculture Innovation Fund?
A: A grant program supporting projects that enhance agricultural productivity, technology, and sustainability in Pennsylvania.
Q: Why is more funding needed?
A: The program received applications worth $70 million but only had $10 million to distribute, leaving many projects unfunded.
Q: How much does agriculture contribute to Pennsylvania’s economy?
A: Approximately $132 billion annually.
Q: Who can apply for these innovation grants?
A: Farmers, agribusinesses, and agricultural research institutions across Pennsylvania.
Q: When could the new funding be available?
A: If approved in the 2025 budget, funds could be released later this year.
Summary / Final Takeaway
Governor Josh Shapiro’s visit to Schuylkill County underscores the importance of agriculture in Pennsylvania’s economy.
His push for an additional $13 million in grant funding aims to close the gap between demand and available resources, empowering innovation and long-term growth for the state’s farmers.
