Takac, Redding highlight $10 million agricultural innovation measure
Rep. Paul Takac August 15, 2024
HARRISBURG, Aug. 15 -- Ag Progress Days, hosted by the Penn State University College of Agricultural Sciences, was the perfect backdrop to tout a $10 million boost for agricultural innovation thanks to a new grant program championed and shepherded through the legislative process by the measure’s prime sponsor, state Rep. Paul Takac, D-Centre.
Takac said his bill, which became the vehicle for the 2024-25 state budget’s Fiscal Code, was signed by Gov. Josh Shapiro last month, becoming Act 54 of 2024.
Takac, who was joined by Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding, Dean of Agricultural Sciences at Penn State University, Troy L. Ott, and Congressman Glenn “GT” Thompson, chairman of the U.S. House Agriculture Committee, announced that the newly enacted legislation will offer farmers and agribusinesses grant opportunities through a new Agriculture Innovation Fund. This matching grant program will help attract private and corporate investments to allow state farmers and businesses to adopt and implement new and innovative research-based technologies and best practices in order to boost efficiency, productivity, sustainability and environmental benefits.
The program will help boost Pennsylvania's agriculture sector, the commonwealth’s leading industry and a key pillar of Shapiro's economic development plan.
Takac said that while the legislation provides clear program guidelines, it defines innovation broadly in order to remain inclusive and adaptable to future discoveries. While administered by the Agriculture Department in coordination with the State Conservation Commission, the final determination of grant awards will be made by an independent review board. The initiative aims to help Pennsylvania's farmers adopt the latest technologies and best practices and prepare for future advancements as innovation and research progress.
“Agriculture has always been a cornerstone of Pennsylvania's economy. Likewise, as Pennsylvania’s land grant university, Penn State and the College of Agricultural Sciences, along with the network of county-based Agricultural Extension offices, play a key role in the discovery, development, and deployment of agricultural research, technology, and best practices, as showcased annually at Ag Progress Days,” Takac said.
“With this new funding - and in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and our partners at the federal level - those who earn their living in PA’s fields, forests, and waters are well positioned to continue to lead the nation in agricultural advancements. These funds will be directed towards cutting-edge research, sustainable farming practices and the development of new technologies that will enhance productivity and environmental stewardship,” he added.
“Our farmers will have access to and implement the latest tools and resources, ensuring they can continue to provide high-quality, locally grown produce and products while also protecting our natural resources, combatting climate change, and ensuring clean air, water and healthy soils for generations to come.
“I want to extend my gratitude to everyone who has supported this initiative. Your dedication and hard work have made this achievement possible. Together, we are building a brighter, more sustainable future for Pennsylvania agriculture,” Takac said.
“When Pennsylvania invests in agriculture, everybody wins,” said Redding. “Our family farmers have innovated and fought to stay competitive in a tough marketplace, all the while being the original leaders in conserving our environment and our priceless soil and water resources. This year’s budget demonstrates that the Shapiro administration is in their corner, continuing to feed opportunities for agriculture to grow, and Pennsylvania’s economy to grow along with it. I am grateful to Representative Takac and the General Assembly for their partnership on making this new innovation program a reality. It’s clear that we all agree on just how critical a strong agriculture industry is to our future together.”