Shapiro administration partners with Penn State on new plant excellence center

Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and Dr. Troy Ott, Dean of Pennsylvania State University College of Agricultural Sciences, have announced the launch of the Center for Plant Excellence. This initiative is designed to enhance research, innovation, and business growth in Pennsylvania's plant-based agriculture sector.

Governor Josh Shapiro has allocated funding for this center in his initial budget to promote economic development through collaboration, research investment, and providing businesses with necessary resources. The center will operate under the PSU Southeast Research Center with a $500,000 investment from the Shapiro Administration.

"This center will enhance Pennsylvania's global competitiveness by combining forces of some of our strongest agriculture producers with our world class land-grant university," stated Secretary Redding. "Penn State's deep well of expertise and innovative research and the collective power of interrelated businesses will help ensure that Pennsylvania stays at the cutting edge. This partnership is a great opportunity to build a brighter future for the state's farmers, producers, and economy."

The announcement featured speakers such as Dr. Alyssa Collins, Secretary Russell Redding, Dean Ott, Jim Mackenzie from Octoraro Nursery, Kenny Kane from Generations Forestry, and Miranda Harple, Executive Director.