Two get agricultural grants from state
Two Berks County organizations have been awarded state grants to fund sustainable agriculture research.
Gov. Tom Wolf announced Aug. 31 that the Rodale Institute and Pasa Sustainable Agriculture were among six organizations that will receive grants totaling more than $2 million to research issues critical to sustaining and growing the state’s agriculture industry. The Rodale Institute will receive $500,000, and Pasa Sustainable Agriculture will get $135,000.
“Investing in research and development helps Pennsylvania battle the effects of climate change and stay on the cutting edge of technology, disease prevention and pest control,” Wolf said in a press release. “We are feeding innovation that advances human and animal medicine, and produces cleaner water, healthier soil and a safer, more abundant food supply to sustain our future.”
The Rodale Institute will use its grant to prepare a skilled agriculture workforce and foster understanding of regenerative farming methods while Pasa Sustainable Agriculture will use the grant to support farmers in setting management goals for improving soil health and measuring resulting improvements.
Sen. Judy Schwank, the minority chair of the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, applauded the Wolf administration for supporting sustainable agriculture research. She has been a leading advocate for climate-smart agriculture in the state Legislature, saying Pennsylvania is poised to become a leader in implementing innovative practices that combat climate change.
“When you look at some of the work groups in Pennsylvania are doing to promote agriculture while protecting our natural resources, you can’t help but feel good about the direction of the commonwealth’s agriculture industry,” she said. “I have the utmost confidence that with continued support, Pennsylvania can become a model other states follow in terms of climate-smart agriculture.
I’m proud to see two Berks-based organizations take advantage of this opportunity.”