Pa. awarded $1M to boost sales, quality of state specialty crops

(WKBN) — Pennsylvania is the recipient of more than $1 million in federal grants to boost the sales and quality of the state’s specialty crops.

The Shapiro Administration announced Monday that Pennsylvania received $915,758 in federal funds for 10 projects to increase the visibility, quality and competitive standing of the state’s specialty crops, including fruit, vegetables, mushrooms and nuts.

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.

“Pennsylvania is a national leader in mushrooms, apples, peaches, flowers and other specialty crops,” said Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding in a statement. “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 will 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 are listed below:

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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