Burns urges local farms to consider applying for $1 million Ag grant program
Grants help farmers plan business, management strategies
Rep. Frank Burns January 8, 2020 | 4:19 PM
EBENSBURG, Jan. 8 – As farmers from across the state gather this week in Harrisburg for the Pennsylvania Farm Show, state Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, is urging local farmers and those involved in the agriculture industry to apply for a new farm vitality planning program.
Created by the Pennsylvania Farm Bill, which was enacted last year, the program helps recipients create or obtain plans for business and management strategies, transition of ownership and operation, diversification, farm expansion, and maintaining the long-term economic viability of farms.
“Farming and agriculture are critical to our region’s economy, and it is important that we work with farmers and those in the industry to ensure they have the tools they need to plan and manage their businesses,” Burns said. “I encourage farmers in our area to apply for this opportunity, and to reach out to my office if they need assistance.”
In 2019 Burns’ office successfully landed more than $22 million in grants and other investments in Cambria County communities, helping fund everything from business and economic development initiatives to critical infrastructure upgrades.
The deadline to apply is April 3. More information or links to an online application can be found here: https://www.agriculture.pa.gov/Pages/Farm-Vitality-Planning-Program.aspx.