Harrisburg, Pa. — Pennsylvania received federal funding for ten research projects focused on boosting the visibility and quality of the state's specialty crops.
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture received an additional $94,363 to administer the program, bringing Pennsylvania’s total award to more than $1.01 million, according to a release from Gov. Shapiro's office. The funds are a portion of $72.9 million awarded nationwide through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Specialty Crop Block Grant Program .
“Pennsylvania is a national leader in mushrooms, apples, peaches, flowers, and other specialty crops,” said Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding. “Investments like this keep our growers at the top of their field, in demand by consumers, and at the cutting edge of technology to stay ahead of disease, pest, and climate threats."
The grants fund projects focused on research, marketing, apprenticeships, and sustainability for mushrooms, apples, potatoes, and other crops for which Pennsylvania ranks among the nation’s top producers.
Grantees, amounts received, and project titles include:
Rodale Institute, Berks County – $122,000
Understanding economic potential for organic hazelnut production systems in Pennsylvania
Penn State University, Centre County – $89,943
Southern blight: An emerging disease threatening the PA tree fruit industry
Penn State University, Centre County – $75,000
Characterization and diagnosis of specialty crop pathogens
Penn State University, Centre County – $80,235
Creating new market opportunities with high-value Italian specialty vegetables
Penn State University, Centre County – $99,926
Novel spectral robot for early-stage disease detection and treatment in mushroom farms
Penn State University, Statewide – $81,003
Screening cucurbit varieties for drought tolerance, pest resistance, and pollination efficiency
PA Cooperative Potato Growers, Dauphin County – $101,000
Optimize cultural management practices for leading potato varieties in Pennsylvania
LEAF Project, Perry County – $96,606
Diversified Vegetable Pre-Apprenticeship Program
Norris Square Neighborhood Project, Philadelphia County – $71,887
Cultivating After-School Leaders
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