Probst announces $100,000 grant for local farm
Rep. Tarah Probst August 18, 2026 | 9:50 AM
HARRISBURG, Aug. 18 – State Rep. Tarah Probst today announced that Better Plants Farm in Stroudsburg has been awarded a $113,800 Agricultural Innovation Grant to support the installation of a hydroponics system.
The grant, awarded through Pennsylvania’s Agricultural Innovation Grant Program, will help Better Plants Farm owner Brian Candler put innovative technology into practice to enhance agricultural efficiency and production.
“Pennsylvania farmers and agricultural businesses are constantly looking for new ways to grow more efficiently, protect our natural resources and build stronger operations,” Probst said. “I’m pleased to see Better Plants Farm receive this investment, which will help bring innovative technology to a local agricultural business and strengthen the future of farming right here in our community.”
The Agricultural Innovation Grant Program is the first of its kind in the nation and is designed to help Pennsylvania agricultural businesses adopt innovative technologies and practices. The program supports projects that improve efficiency and production, protect soil and water resources, and generate clean, renewable energy.
The second round of the program provides $9.7 million in grants for 97 projects and leverages an additional $4.8 million in private investment. The program received more than $68 million in funding requests, which Probst said demonstrates the strong demand for agricultural innovation across the Commonwealth.
The Shapiro administration and Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture have continued funding the program, with $10 million included in the 2026-27 state budget for a third year. Applications for the next round of Agricultural Innovation Grants are scheduled to open Sept. 1.
“Agriculture is an important part of Pennsylvania’s economy, and investments like this give our farmers and agricultural businesses the tools they need to adapt and thrive,” Probst said. “I look forward to seeing the results of this project and the benefits it will bring to Better Plants Farm and our region.”
More information about Pennsylvania’s Agricultural Innovation Grant Program, including eligibility requirements and application information, is available through the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture at agriculture.pa.gov.
Probst represents the 189th Legislative District, which includes Delaware Water Gap, Smithfield, East Stroudsburg, Stroudsburg and parts of Middle Smithfield and Stroud in Monroe County and Delaware, Lehman and Porter in Pike County.
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CONTACT: Ryan Bevitz
House Democratic Communications Office
Phone: 717-787-7895
Email: rbevitz@pahouse.net
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