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PENNSYLVANIA FURNACE, Pa. - Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary Rick Siger recently launched the Keystone AgTech Alliance, signing an agreement with The Pennsylvania State University College of Agricultural Sciences, Team Pennsylvania, and Innovation Works, Inc. The new alliance aims to accelerate agricultural innovation across Pennsylvania by closely aligning the work of private industry, research institutions, and government toward a common goal of making Pennsylvania the premier state for farmer-centered innovation, connecting real-world challenges with proven technology-based solutions.
By coordinating research and resources, and creating opportunities for collaboration and demonstration, the alliance will further advance the goals of the Agricultural Innovation Grant Program, the first of its kind in the nation, investing $30 million to put cutting-edge technology into practice on farms to help Pennsylvania farmers innovate, succeed, and grow their bottom lines.
"This agreement is another step toward our shared goal of helping farmers address real-world challenges safely, effectively, and efficiently," Redding said.
Redding made the announcement at the FIRA Robotics Village, the first East Coast appearance of the internationally recognized robotics showcase. The alliance and partners brought the village to Penn State's Ag Progress Days to showcase the practical solutions robotics, AI, automation, and precision agriculture offer for the future of farming.
Pennsylvania's unmatched crop diversity, world-class research at its academic institutions, and proximity to 60 million consumers uniquely positions the state to serve as the nation’s proving ground for solutions to labor shortages, pressures to increase productivity and efficiency, and long-term economic and environmental sustainability.
"Pennsylvania has always been a national leader in innovation, technology, and agriculture. Bringing these industries together creates an outstanding opportunity to drive our economy forward," said DCED Secretary Rick Siger. "While Agriculture Innovation Grants were born out of the need to keep Pennsylvania agriculture competitive, the Keystone AgTech Alliance goes one step further -- connecting the best innovative technology with Pennsylvania's world-class academic institutions, creating a direct link for collaboration and creativity."