Historic Investments in Urban Agriculture Grants Announced in Governor Shapiro’s Bipartisan Budget for Pennsylvania
Urban agriculture grants are making a significant impact in Pennsylvania communities, families, and local economies as part of Governor Josh Shapiro’s bipartisan 2024-25 budget. These grants are a crucial part of historic investments aimed at solving real-world problems and creating opportunities for growth and development.
One such example is the recent announcement of $500,000 in grants available for projects that will increase the capacity to produce fresh food and create economic opportunities in urban Pennsylvania neighborhoods. Lt. Governor Austin A. Davis joined Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding at Grow Pittsburgh’s Braddock Farms to make this exciting announcement. Projects like Braddock Farms’ community garden are already making a positive impact in their communities, providing fresh food and economic opportunities in areas that need it most.
The PA Farm Bill Urban Agriculture Infrastructure Grants are just one aspect of the larger budget that includes $13 million in investments in agriculture and a new $10 million innovation fund. These investments are designed to support Pennsylvania’s people and address the real challenges faced by communities, families, and local economies.
Lt. Governor Austin Davis emphasized the importance of providing opportunities for Pennsylvanians to pursue their passions and create new legacies. Urban agriculture, as demonstrated by projects like Braddock Farms, offers a way to improve access to healthy food, create economic opportunities, and build healthier futures for city neighborhoods.
Secretary Redding highlighted the importance of strengthening local economies through investments that improve quality of life and health. By ensuring that families have access to fresh, healthy food and the resources to grow their own food, these investments are creating a brighter future for all Pennsylvanians.
Projects funded by these grants will enable organizations to expand their capacity through infrastructure purchases such as greenhouses, off-grid energy and water systems, and cold storage. By supporting projects that feed economic, community, and personal growth through agriculture, these grants are making a tangible difference in communities across the state.
Pennsylvania has already invested over $2.7 million in urban agriculture through this program since 2019, with 139 projects in 19 counties expanding fresh food access in underserved areas. The program offers microgrants for one-time projects as well as collaboration grants for cooperative efforts to support community development and increase fresh food access.
If you’re interested in applying for a grant, be sure to check out the full guidelines on the Department of Agriculture’s website and submit your application by September 6, 2024. These grants are a fantastic opportunity to make a positive impact in your community and contribute to the growth of Pennsylvania’s agriculture industry.
Overall, Governor Shapiro’s budget is making significant strides in supporting agriculture and addressing the needs of Pennsylvania communities. By investing in urban agriculture and other initiatives, the state is paving the way for a brighter future for all Pennsylvanians.
