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Agriculture

Government officials to discuss industry at Ag Progress Days

UNIVERSITY PARK — Agricultural innovation, Pennsylvania’s livestock industry and the federal farm bill are among the topics that will take center stage when government officials gather to discuss agricultural policy matters at several public events during Penn State’s Ag Progress Days, starting Tuesday and running through Thursday at Rock Springs. State and federal government elected officials and agency representatives, Penn State experts, and industry leaders will be on hand to explain current and proposed policies and engage with stakeholders on issues affecting Pennsylvania ...

Penn State Extension to offer water education summit for educators

UNIVERSITY PARK — Educators or others involved in environmental education who are interested in teaching youth about water can learn about engaging tools and resources to support water education at a Penn State Extension workshop scheduled for September. The Dive Deeper Summit will be Wednesday, Sept. 24, and Thursday, Sept. 25, at Best Western Premier, The Central Hotel and Conference Center, 800 E. Park Dr., Harrisburg. This workshop is designed for formal and nonformal educators; K-12 teachers and environmental educators; 4-H leaders and youth program coordinators; ...

HHS, FDA and USDA address the health risks of ultra-processed foods

WASHINGTON — Under the leadership of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and U.S. Department of Agriculture are accelerating federal efforts to address the growing concerns around ultra-processed foods and the current epidemic of diet-related chronic disease that is plaguing America. The agencies are announcing a joint Request for Information (RFI) to gather information and data to help establish a federally recognized uniform definition ...

Ag Progress Days’ displays showcase advanced technology, animal health, invasives

UNIVERSITY PARK — A new initiative aimed at developing emerging and advanced technologies to enhance food production, agricultural ecosystems and natural resources will be one of the focal points of the College of Agricultural Sciences Exhibits Building at Penn State’s 2025 Ag Progress Days, starting Tuesday. Displays and presentations will highlight the college’s recently launched Technology for Agriculture and Living Systems initiative. The initiative is designed to bring researchers and extension specialists together across disciplines to create real-world solutions that boost ...

Investment to strengthen food supply chain

HARRISBURG — The Shapiro Administration recently announced over $21 million in federally-funded grants to 77 farms and food manufacturers to increase capacity, drive growth, and provide opportunity throughout Pennsylvania’s food supply chain. “Pennsylvania is investing to feed our future through a stronger local supply chain, which means healthier communities, thriving businesses, more job opportunities, and more resilience in challenging times,” said Department of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding. “Historically, partnerships with the federal government have expanded ...

Investment of $500,000 to support urban farmers

​MELROSE PARK, Pa. — Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding has announced 21 Urban Agriculture Infrastructure Grants totaling $502,140 to projects that help address long-standing challenges urban farmers face in growing local, farm-fresh produce in city neighborhoods in 10 counties across Pennsylvania. Secretary Redding made this announcement after touring The Farm at Wyncote Academy in Montgomery County, where a grant will fund a new fruit tree orchard, expanding outdoor, hands-on science and career learning opportunities for at-risk middle and high school students. “Seeing a ...