Pennsylvania’s Agriculture Secretary, Russell Redding, has announced the availability of $4.8 million in federally funded grants aimed at enhancing the middle of the food supply chain. These funds, part of a $26 million allocation from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure program, are intended to bolster capacity within Pennsylvania’s food supply chain to meet the needs of various outlets, including grocers, restaurants, schools, hospitals, and universities.
Secretary Redding emphasized the importance of a robust local supply chain in supporting farm businesses, boosting their profitability, and stimulating economic growth across communities in Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania leads the nation in direct sales from farms to consumers, highlighting the significance of the state’s agricultural sector. However, many products require processing and packaging or aggregation from multiple farms to meet the volume and variety demands of retail and wholesale establishments where consumers purchase their food.
This announcement marks the second round of grants funded through the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure program. The initial $26 million allocation was unveiled by U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Governor Shapiro during the 2024 Pennsylvania Farm Show. The first round of grant applications closed on March 30, 2024, with awards set to be announced soon.
The grants, ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, will be exclusively designated for equipment purchases and cannot be utilized for facility upgrades, staffing, or other expenses. Interested parties must submit proposals through the Department of Community and Economic Development’s Electronic Single Application by 5:00 p.m. on May 15, 2024.
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