HARRISBURG — Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding announced $460,000 in funds for eight projects that will increase market opportunities and competitiveness of Pennsylvania specialty crops.
Funded under the Pennsylvania Farm Bill, state Specialty Crop Block Grants fund high priority specialty crops that are not eligible under the federal specialty crop grant program.
In McKean County, the Allegheny Hardwood Utilization Group Inc. will receive, $49,250 to host a National Hardwood Lumber Association Lumber Grading Course for Pennsylvania foresters.
“Increasing market access and competitiveness means investing in crops with high growth potential that otherwise may be overlooked,” said Redding. “There is strength in our diversity, and we need to ensure growers – no matter size, scope or production – have every opportunity to succeed, strengthening both on-farm vitality and our commonwealth’s economic impact.”
High priority crops in the state include hemp, hops, hardwoods, honey; and barley, rye and wheat for distilling, brewing and malting. Projects aim to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of specialty crops through research to increase conservation and environmental outcomes, enhance food safety, develop new and improved seed varieties, or improve pest and disease control.
