BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Two Lehigh Valley farms were awarded just shy of $180,000 as part of a $21 million effort to increase capacity and drive growth in Pennsylvania’s food supply chain, state officials have announced.
The Community Action Committee of Lehigh Valley’s The Seed Farm, in Upper Milford Township, was awarded $76,626 to upgrade its wash and pack station, as well as its refrigerator, to assist incubator farmers with post-harvest handling.
Scholl Orchards in Bethlehem was awarded $100,000 to buy refrigeration and forklifts to expand fruit and vegetable aggregation and market access for 43 local producers.
"This partnership builds on that longstanding tradition of cooperation that benefits our national and local economy as well as families across Pennsylvania.”Department of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding
The funding comes from the commonwealth’s Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure program, according to a news release from the state Department of Agriculture.
The availability of the grants, a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, were announced by Gov. Josh Shapiro during the PA Farm Show.
“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,” state Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding said.
“Historically, partnerships with the federal government have expanded Pennsylvania’s capacity to feed local growth. This partnership builds on that longstanding tradition of cooperation that benefits our national and local economy as well as families across Pennsylvania.”
Grants are earmarked for equipment upgrades, safety improvements and facility modernization, officials said, allowing manufacturers to expand product lines and better connect farmers with consumers.
For a full list of awardees and more information, go to the state Department of Agriculture’s website.
