KU’s organic farming program receives $1.5M state grant
New agriculture program prepares students to lead a growing industry, officials said
A new Kutztown University program has received a $1.5 million state grant to prepare students to help lead the fast-growing organic agriculture industry.
The grant, which will support KU’s Regenerative Organic Agriculture program created in 2021, was announced Thursday during a press conference at the school.
Organic farming is a trend that will continue to expand in popularity and importance, and students in the KU program will graduate prepared to be at its forefront, said Dr. Kaoutar El
Moundadi, associate professor of biological sciences.
The school already has a 17-acre farm plot on campus where students do their field work, which will be greatly enhanced by the additional funding, she said.
The money will be used to support student scholarships, internships, professional development, farming equipment, land care, and renovations to the university teaching greenhouse.
“This grant will have a significant impact on changing the way food is grown and produced and will provide an important and exciting new career path for our students,” said Dr.
Kenneth S. Hawkinson, university president.
The Rodale Institute — a nonprofit based in Maxatawny Township about about five miles from campus — is in a five-year partnership with KU to enhance the program. Rodale provides access to field researchers who study soil health, organic practices for farming and pest management, composting and pollinators.
Rodale CEO and KU alumnus Jeff Tkach said students are learning from world-renowned scientists about agricultural methods that enable producers to adapt to extreme weather events, improve the state of regional farming economies, and modernize common production methods.
“These skill sets will prepare Kutztown University graduates to lead the nation’s agriculture sector,” he said.
State Rep. Mark Rozzi, a Muhlenberg Township Democrat and also a KU graduate, helped secure the funding, and spoke about its importance not just to the school, but the community.
Increasing access to food free of “poisons” such as chemicals and pesticides is crucial, as is promoting agriculture that keeps the land sustainable instead of harming it, he said.