Agriculture Invests In Research Critical To Growing Ag Industry, Reducing Environmental Impacts, Controlling Invasive Species; Promoting Regenerative Agriculture

On January 26, Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding  announced $2.232 million in funding for research proposals on issues critical to sustaining and growing Pennsylvania's $132.5 billion agriculture industry.

Funded projects will address complex challenges ranging from reducing impacts of climate change and measuring soil and water conservation, to tackling emerging animal care issues, and developing plant-based solutions to reduce threats to human health.

Grants awarded include--

-- Pasa Sustainable Agriculture, Harrisburg and Philadelphia – $100,000: Advanced Analysis & Reporting for Farm Soil Conservation, Financial Viability, and Nutrient Density – Project aims to continue ongoing benchmark studies to assist Pennsylvania farmers with tools to assess their soil health, set management goals, and track progress toward improving the long-term health of their soil and farm profitability.

-- Rodale Institute, Berks County – $500,000: Funding will support the institute's groundbreaking research and training programs in organic and regenerative agriculture.

-- TeamAg, Inc., Lancaster County - $75,000: This project will assist farms with designs and technical assistance to implement climate smart practices that mitigate emissions, make sound decisions on the implementation of solar photovoltaic power systems in grazing areas, and provide additional revenue opportunities.

-- Pennsylvania State University Center for Agricultural and Shale Law – $100,000

-- Pennsylvania State University Agriculture and Environment Center – $500,000

-- Pennsylvania State University -- $75,000: Project to minimize the loss of prime agricultural land, this research project will identify marginal lands across Pennsylvania that could be suitable for solar energy production and determine best management practices for solar farms to implement on those marginal lands that benefit soil, water, and vegetation.

-- Temple University - $75,000: Research on the spotted lanternfly (SLF) invasion to produce models and risk maps to better understand how the types of locations, landscape variables, and control methods influence the distribution of SLF, in order to build prediction models that will aid in the control efforts of the invasive insect.

-- Temple University - $60,000: A study to analyze the role invasive plants play in contributing to the high rates of ticks infected with human pathogens, including Lyme disease, to help inform control strategies.

"Investing in research is the first critical step toward solving today's most costly and complex challenges, and developing innovative solutions to tomorrow's challenges," Secretary Redding said. "Pennsylvania-based research institutions are on the cutting edge of exciting developments in organic and regenerative agriculture, and in imagining the technology we need to continue to be a national and world agriculture leader. Governor Josh Shapiro has declared agriculture to be a 'pillar of opportunity' in Pennsylvania's economy. These research investments are just one more way the Shapiro Administration is delivering on promises to support the growth of our industry."

Click Here for the complete announcement.

Related Articles - Watersheds:

-- PennVEST Invests $194.3 Million In 28 Water, Wastewater, Stormwater, Water Quality Improvement Projects In 20 Counties  [PaEN]

-- DEP Awards Susquehanna River Basin Commission $68.2 Million To Restore Severely Impaired Tioga River Watershed  [PaEN]

-- Bay Journal: Abandoned Mine Land Getting Makeover In Northeastern PA - By Ad Crable, Chesapeake Bay Journal [PaEN]

-- DEP Awards $573,000 To 10 Projects To Protect Delaware Estuary Coastal Zone; $268,000 To 5 Projects To Protect Lake Erie Coastal Zone  [PaEN]

-- Agriculture Invests In Research Critical To Growing Ag Industry, Reducing Environmental Impacts, Controlling Invasive Species; Promoting Regenerative Agriculture  [PaEN]

-- National Fish & Wildlife Foundation Now Accepting Applications For Delaware Watershed Conservation Fund Grants; Webinar Jan. 30; Project Coaching  [PaEN]

-- Centre County Master Watershed Steward Art Gover Earns Natural Resource Education Award  [PaEN]

-- Hazleton Standard Speaker: Almost 50,000 Students Participating In PA Trout In The Classroom Program

-- Mountain Watershed Assn. Files Petition To Designate Parts Of Donegal Township Unsuitable For Coal Mining In Westmoreland County  [PaEN]

-- Chester County Commissioners Approve New Integrated Water Resources Plan, Watersheds 2045  [PaEN]

-- Penn State Extension - Farm Conservation Success Story Series: First Stop Westmoreland County - John Kitz's Mount Pleasant Farm  [PaEN]

-- Save The Dates: Forest Health In-Person Briefing, March 12; Virtual Forest Health Briefing, March 14; Forest Snapshot; More! [PaEN]

-- DEP Drought Update: Clinton & Franklin Counties Remain In Drought Warning; 6 Counties In Drought Watch; 8 Counties Return To Normal Status  [PaEN]

-- Delaware River Basin Commission Feb. 7 Hearing On Water Withdrawals, Other Proposals; March 6 Business Meeting  [PaEN]

[Posted: January 26, 2023]


1/29/2024

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