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Agriculture

USDA announces $86.6 million investment into the U.S. specialty crop industry

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Agriculture is awarding $86.6 million in grant funding to support the specialty crop industry through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. The program funds innovative projects designed to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. “I am proud to announce USDA will be investing more than $86 million across 56 states and territories through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. These 609 state projects represent the Trump Administration’s commitment to innovation, marketing, and research—ensuring specialty crop businesses are at ...

Pennsylvania welcomes GreenTech North America

PHILADELPHIA — Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding welcomed agriculture leaders from around the world to Philadelphia for GreenTech North America 2026 in September, marking the first time the global organization GreenTech has hosted this conference in North America. Pennsylvania’s role as host reflects the Commonwealth’s leadership in agricultural innovation, powered by the Shapiro Administration’s statewide economic development strategy and focus on investing in the people, research, and technology needed to keep Pennsylvania agriculture a global leader. The conference, ...

Grants awarded to grow Pennsylvania meat-processing businesses

BROOKVILLE — Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding has announced nearly $600,000 in state funding for 10 small meat processors in eight Pennsylvania counties, helping businesses expand processing capacity, improve food and worker safety, and meet demand for local products. Redding also announced that applications are now open for the next round of the Very Small Meat and Poultry Processor Reimbursement Grant program. “Small processors are absolutely integral to Pennsylvania agriculture,” Redding said. “They create markets and lower transportation costs for farmers, keep food ...

Funding available for agriculture projects

BURNHAM — The Mifflin County Conservation District has announced the grant application period for agricultural operations through the Agriculture Conservation Assistance Program. The ACAP application deadline is Friday, Oct. 30, 2026 at 2 p.m. Eligible projects include, but are not limited to barnyard improvements, manure storages, mortality composters, grazing management, streambank fencing, stream crossings, and livestock walkways. Funding for the ACAP Program was originally created through the American Rescue Plan Act and the Clean Streams Fund and was established with the ...

Women in Dairy Conference slated for Nov. 4

UNIVERSITY PARK — The 2026 Women in Dairy Conference, slated for Nov. 4 at the Jordan Center, 720 Curtain Rd., State College, will give women in the dairy industry the opportunity to learn, connect and explore emerging opportunities with likeminded people. The conference will explore the value of dairy components, production and economics of beef-on-dairy crosses, and the connection between water and animal nutrition. Breakout sessions will address calf management, workforce resources, and the impact of new dietary guidelines on dairy demand, providing practical insights ...