Venkat announces new grant funding for Soergel Orchards

Funds will support the purchase of an agricultural drone

Rep. Arvind Venkat August 12, 2026 | 4:26 PM

FRANKLIN PARK, Aug. 12 – Soergel Orchards, a family-owned homestead, market and orchard based in Franklin Park with farms across Allegheny and Butler counties, will receive a $24,584 state grant with support from state Rep. Arvind Venkat, D-Allegheny, and state Sen. Devlin Robinson, R-Allegheny.

The funds will allow Soergel Orchards to purchase an agricultural drone. Common uses for drones in agriculture include mapping and surveying, crop monitoring, water management, and precision application of fertilizer and pesticides.

“I am always proud to support our local farmers and ensure they have the resources they need,” Venkat said. “This is especially true for Soergel Orchards, which has been a staple of the North Hills for over 170 years and still finds new ways to develop and innovate their work. I look forward to seeing how this funding backs their work for our community.”

This project is one of 97 recently announced by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture through its first-in-the-nation Agricultural Innovation Grant Program, which helps agricultural businesses implement innovative technology to improve efficiency, increase production, protect soil and water resources, and generate clean, renewable energy.

Send Feedback