PDA Roundup: Wolf Administration Investments Promote Pollinator Research, Strengthen Resiliency of PA Specialty Crops

 

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Wolf Administration Investments Promote Pollinator Research, Strengthen Resiliency of PA Specialty Crops   Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding was joined by Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences Dean Richard Roush to highlight nearly $1 million of Wolf Administration investments strengthening the competitiveness of Pennsylvania specialty crops. There, they joined researchers whose projects are benefitting pollinator health and promoting the competitiveness of Pennsylvania honey.   Recap

See More "Pollinators are critical to the success of Pennsylvania agriculture; one out of every three bites we eat is thanks to pollinators, " said Redding. "Honey bees are a critical part of that narrative, but they are also key to growing new markets for specialty crops. Supporting honey research and promotion through the Pennsylvania Specialty Crop Block Grant allows the commonwealth to grow its honey market while simultaneously supporting research that will benefit pollinator health, and in return, all of Pennsylvania agriculture."

After highlighting Wolf Administration investments for Pennsylvania specialty crops, Secretary Redding continued his day in Centre County at Rising Spring Meats, the Lion's Pantry, and enjoyed lunch and great conversation with Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences Career Services and Students. See More

Secretary Redding participated in a panel discussion at the 2022 Organic Trade Conference.    The commonwealth of Pennsylvania ranks third in organic production and home to more than 1,000 organic farmers. See More

The Northern Potter High School FFA team invited Secretary Redding to their school for a tour of their program.   The tour provided the chance to see firsthand the robust agriculture program, featuring ag mechanics, butchering, and syrup making, with plans to include horticulture. See More

Secretary Redding attended PA State Rep. Clint Owlett’s and PA State Rep. Martin Causer’s Farmer’s Breakfast in Potter County.   Farmers and producers also joined in conversation to share ideas and learn.  See More

Secretary Redding was invited to the Land O'Lakes East Region Dairy Member Spring Meeting. With dairy as a leading economic driver, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is committed to supporting the industry. See More

At the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau Legislative Day Luncheon, Secretary Redding joined President Ebert, the state leadership team, and Farm Bureau members to reflect on the accomplishments to date. See More

Secretary Redding attended the York Agricultural Recognition Banquet. The banquet brings the best of York County agriculture – and best of Pennsylvania agriculture – together, representing our past, our present, and our future of the agriculture industry.  See More

First Lady Wolf Joins College Students, Administrators, Advocates and Legislators in Calling for Action to Address College Hunger    First Lady Frances Wolf joined Senate Democratic Appropriations Chairman Vince​nt Hughes, Senator Carolyn Comitta, ​House Democratic Leader Joanna McClinton, Representative Jennifer O’Mara, college students and advocates to call for action to address food insecurity on Pennsylvania’s college campuses.   Read More

Meet the Faces of the 2022 Pennsylvania Farm Show   The faces of Pennsylvania agriculture are rural and urban. From dairy and livestock producers to urban gardeners, food processors, and countless others, these individuals truly embody what it means to be Harvesting More. Read More

Presentation: Strengthening the Northeast Regional Value-Added Dairy Distribution System Apr 7, 2022, 10:00 AM EST   Join us to learn from Karen Karp & Partners about their key findings and strategies developed through this extensive examination of the Northeast dairy supply chain. Topics of supply chain brittleness, workforce, investments in distributors, marketing as a region, and supporting distribution readiness will be discussed. This presentation will be recorded and available after the event, along with the full report. Learn More

Multi-Business Dairy Agritourism Grant   This grant will fund projects that support and engage multiple dairy farmers and/or processors for the development and marketing of dairy-focused agritourism activities.  Activities should be designed to raise awareness and consumption of regionally produced dairy products. Dairy farmers, processors, and producer associations are eligible to apply. Grants available of $10,000 - $25,000.    Deadline: April 7, 2022 Apply for Grant

Local Food Purchasing Program with Feeding Pennsylvania: Producer Information Session Wednesday, April 13, 2022, (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM ET), via Zoom   Feeding Pennsylvania, a statewide network of food banks, will soon launch new opportunities for interested Pennsylvania producers and processors to sell to Pennsylvania's food bank system. During the Local Food Purchasing Program with Feeding Pennsylvania: Producer Information Session, representatives from Feeding Pennsylvania and the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank will describe participation logistics, compensation, and how the program can support the food waste reduction and wholesale marketing efforts of Pennsylvania growers at a variety of scales.  Register

Second Chance Month Reentry Week: April 24-30, 2022   As 90 percent of incarcerated individuals prepare to leave the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections at the conclusion of their prison sentences, partners throughout the state are doing their part to help set them up for a successful reentry.