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HARRISBURG -- Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding has invited applications for $4.8 million in federally funded grants to purchase equipment needed to strengthen the middle of the food supply chain - between the farm field and the consumer's table. Funds are part of $26 million awarded to Pennsylvania through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure program, which aims to boost capacity to meet food supply needs in grocers, restaurants, and institutions like schools, hospitals, and universities.
Pennsylvania leads the nation in sales direct to consumers from the farm, which represent a small portion of the consumer food supply. In most cases, products are processed, packaged, or combined with those from multiple farms to supply the volume and variety needed by retail and wholesale locations where consumers buy their food.
This is the second round of grants to be funded through $26 million in Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure funds U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack joined Governor Shapiro to announce during the 2024 Pennsylvania Farm Show. Applications for the first round of grants closed March 30, 2024. Awards will be announced in the coming weeks.
This federal funding will be amplified by the more than $52.37 million in state investments in Pennsylvania's $132.5 billion agriculture industry. Among the investments is a $10 million agriculture innovation fund to help farmers modernize their businesses, not just to survive changes in markets and climate, but to grow and thrive.
Grants for equipment purchases only will be awarded in amounts between $10,000 and $100,000. Funds may not be used for facility upgrades, staffing, or other costs.
Proposals must be submitted through the Department of Community and Economic Development's Electronic Single Application, and must be submitted by 5 p.m. on May 15, 2024.
Find more information about Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Grants on the department's website, agriculture.pa.gov. Grant guidelines can also be found in the March 30, 2024, Pennsylvania
Bulletin.