The Shapiro Administration announced that Pennsylvania received $915,758 in federal funds for 10 projects to increase the visibility, quality, and competitive standing of the state's specialty crops, including fruit, vegetables, mushrooms, and nuts. The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture received an additional $94,363 to administer the program, bringing Pennsylvania's total award to more than $1.01 million.

            The funds are a portion of $72.9 million awarded nationwide through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Specialty Crop Block Grant Program.

            "Pennsylvania is a national leader in mushrooms, apples, peaches, flowers, and other specialty crops," said Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding. "Investments like this keep our growers at the top of their field, in demand by consumers, and at the cutting edge of technology to stay ahead of disease, pest, and climate threats. These investments demonstrate that the Shapiro Administration is working with the Biden Administration to keep Pennsylvania farms feeding the world."

            Since taking office, Governor Josh Shapiro has signed into law two bipartisan budgets spurring innovation, cutting red tape, and investing to make Pennsylvania agriculture businesses more competitive and sustain PA's national leadership. In addition to a new $10 million Agriculture Innovation and Conservation fund, the 2024-25 budget invests $13 million in the PA Farm Bill, which includes the state's own PA Specialty Crop Block Grant program to enhance the federal program.

The PA Farm Bill makes critical investments in building the processing infrastructure and marketing the industry needs and removing barriers between the industry and workers who want to be part of its future.

            "We are happy to once again partner with Pennsylvania on the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program," said USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Jenny Lester Moffitt. "The innovative projects funded through this program will strengthen U.S. specialty crop production and markets and ensure Americans have sustained access to fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, and other specialty crops and support the region's specialty crop growers to help ensure their long-term success."

            The new grants fund projects focused on research, marketing, apprenticeships, and sustainability for mushrooms, apples, potatoes, and other crops for which Pennsylvania ranks among the nation's top producers.

            Grantees include the Rodale Institute, Berks County  – $122,000 - Understanding economic potential for organic hazelnut production systems in Pennsylvania.