Harkins, Merski: $310,000 in funding secured for Erie agricultural innovators
Inaugural awards under new Agriculture Innovation Grant Program
Rep. Patrick J. Harkins February 5, 2025 | 10:17 AM
ERIE, Feb. 5 – A total of $310,000 in grant funding has been awarded to local agricultural innovators to support cutting-edge projects, state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, both D-Erie, announced today.
The grants, awarded under the nation's first Ag Innovation Grant Program, will empower local agricultural businesses with advanced technologies and practices to enhance food access, boost local food production, and foster community engagement.
“Our agricultural sector is vital to Pennsylvania's economy and way of life,” Harkins said. “By investing in innovative practices and technologies, we are supporting our farmers and food producers to meet the growing demands of our population while maintaining environmental stewardship."
“These grants will provide crucial resources to our local agricultural businesses, fostering economic growth and community engagement,” Merski said. “We are proud to support projects that will have a lasting impact on our communities and ensure a thriving agricultural industry for years to come.”
The following local recipients have been awarded grants:
Integrated Agricultural Systems – $80,000 to enhance food access through urban farming projects.
K Vineyards – $100,000 for advanced harvesting technology.
Minority Community Investment Coalition – $130,000 to develop innovative urban agriculture projects to boost local food production and community engagement.
These investments will contribute to the overall goal of the Ag Innovation Grant Program, which aims to accelerate the adoption of innovative practices, benefit farmers, and promote the long-term sustainability and productivity of the agricultural industry.
The lawmakers said that agriculture is critical to Pennsylvania’s economy, supporting over 600,000 jobs and contributing $132.5 billion annually and that Gov. Josh Shapiro’s economic development strategy places agriculture at the forefront, recognizing that a thriving agricultural industry is key to powering the commonwealth’s economic growth.