Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Madsen congratulates LocalDutch USA LLC on $40K state grant

Madsen congratulates LocalDutch USA LLC on $40K state grant

Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus    February 5, 2025 | 3:59 PM

HARRISBURG, Feb. 5– State Rep. Dave Madsen, D-Dauphin, today congratulated LocalDutch USA LLC on its award of $40,000 in state grant funding from the nation’s first Agricultural Innovation Program.

LocalDutch USA LLC’s community-driven Urban Farm Shops offer locally grown food in food deserts. Urban Farm Shops aim to reshape the local food landscape by resolving issues with the availability of fresh and nutritious produce.

LocalDutch USA LLC will use the funds to plan an indoor urban farming facility.

“For people living in food deserts, access to fresh, affordable produce is rare,” Madsen said. “Harrisburg-based LocalDutch USA LLC offers an innovative and sustainable community-based farming model: an indoor farming facility that will increase a locality’s availability of healthy produce for residents year round. It’s exciting to see Harrisburg lead the way with this revolutionary idea that will have a positive impact on our communities.”

The Agricultural Innovation Grant Program was proposed as part of Gov. Josh Shapiro’s 2024-2025 budget, and the corresponding legislation passed with broad bipartisan support. The program’s goal is to help Pennsylvania agricultural businesses adopt innovative technologies and practices that will benefit not only farmers but the long-term sustainability and productivity of the entire region.

Agriculture is critical to Pennsylvania’s economy, with more than 53,000 farms supporting over 600,000 jobs and contributing $132.5 billion annually.

The Agricultural Innovation Grant Program is a key element of Shapiro's Economic Development Strategy, which positions agriculture alongside life sciences, manufacturing, robotics, technology, and energy as vital drivers of Pennsylvania’s long-term economic success.

More information about the Agricultural Innovation Grant Program, including eligibility criteria and more, can be found at agriculture.pa.gov.