MAXATAWNY TWP., Pa. — Rodale institute has been awarded $122,000 as part of a $1.01 million federal initiative to boost specialty crops across Pennsylvania, state officials announced Monday.
“We’re grateful for this partnership with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to further our understanding of the economic benefits of organic agriculture in our state,” a Rodale Institute spokesperson said. “Pennsylvania is one of the leading producers of organic goods in the United States, and continued research and investment in the state’s organic farmers will lead to a more prosperous future for all Pennsylvanians.”
Rodale’s was one of nine projects across the commonwealth to be included in the round of funding. Awarded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, the projects focus on research, marketing, apprenticeships and sustainability for mushrooms, apples, potatoes and other crops.
Rodale’s project is called “Understanding economic potential for organic hazelnut production systems in Pennsylvania.”
"Pennsylvania is a national leader in mushrooms, apples, peaches, flowers, and other specialty crops. 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."Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding
“Pennsylvania is a national leader in mushrooms, apples, peaches, flowers, and other specialty crops,” said state Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding, in a news release. “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.
“These investments demonstrate that the Shapiro Administration is working with [the] Biden Administration to keep Pennsylvania farms feeding the world.”
Other grants awarded include:
- Penn State University, Centre County: $89,943 for “Southern blight: An emerging disease threatening the PA tree fruit industry”
- Penn State University, Centre County: $75,000 for “Characterization and diagnosis of specialty crop pathogens”
- Penn State University, Centre County: $80,235 for “Creating new market opportunities with high-value Italian specialty vegetables”
- Penn State University, Centre County: $99,926 for “Novel spectral robot for early-stage disease detection and treatment in mushroom farms”
- Penn State University, statewide: $81,003 for “Screening cucurbit varieties for drought tolerance, pest resistance and pollination efficiency”
- PA Cooperative Potato Growers, Dauphin County: $101,000 for “Optimize cultural management practices for leading potato varieties in Pennsylvania”
- LEAF Project, Perry County: $96,606 for “Diversified Vegetable Pre-Apprenticeship Program”
- Norris Square Neighborhood Project, Philadelphia County: $71,887 for “Cultivating After-School Leaders”
“We are happy to once again partner with Pennsylvania on the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program,” said Jenny Lester Moffitt, USDA under secretary for marketing and regulatory programs.
“The innovative projects funded through this program will strengthen U.S. specialty crop production and markets and ensure Americans have sustained access to fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables and other specialty crops, and support the region’s specialty crop growers to help ensure their long-term success.”
