On October 15, the Department of Agriculture announced the award of more than $2 million in grants to research ways of safely controlling spotted lantern flies, improving soil and water quality, protecting pollinators, eliminating invasive species and more.

“Keeping pace with rapid changes in climate and technology and sustaining growth in Pennsylvania’s $132.5 billion agriculture industry demands investment in research and development,” said Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding. “These investments spur innovations that increase productivity; advance human and animal medicine; and produce cleaner water, healthier soil and a safer food supply.”

Among the grants were--

Penn State University

-- Ag Resource Centers – Spotted lanternfly control in nursery and landscaping, and in grape and specialty crops, especially in the Erie region – $300,000

Rodale Institute

-- Organic and regenerative methods exploring links between soil health and human health; addressing climate change, nutrient density and water pollution – $500,000

-- Impact of pesticides on soil and vegetables grown in organic and conventional systems – $127,887

Team Ag, Inc.

-- Connecting capital with Pennsylvania farmers using regenerative farming practices to draw down carbon – $90,000

Western PA Conservancy

-- Bees of barrens and at-risk butterflies – $30,667

Click Here for a complete list of grants awarded.

[Posted: October 15, 2021]

10/18/2021