Angela Fitterer, Executive Deputy Secretary | Pennsylvania Department Of Education
The Shapiro Administration has announced a significant investment of $224,190 in Agriculture Promotion Grants to bolster projects aimed at increasing the domestic sales and exports of Pennsylvania's agricultural products. The announcement was made by Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding during a visit to Waltz Estate Winery and Family Farm, a sixth-generation family-owned business.
These grants are part of the PA Farm Bill-funded initiatives designed to enhance Pennsylvania agriculture. They will reimburse nonprofits up to 50% of their costs for projects that focus on educating consumers, promoting specific agriculture sectors, expanding the consumer base for Pennsylvania products, or encouraging regional agriculture-based tourism.
"Pennsylvania families produce the quality food and drinks that bring families around the world to the table, and not only that, the table and the fine hardwood it's made of," said Secretary Redding. He highlighted two leading agricultural sectors supported by this year's grants: "Pennsylvania's wine industry has grown from William Penn's vines in colonial Philadelphia into the nation's fourth-ranking wine producer. And from its beginning as Penn's Woods, we have grown to be the nation's number one hardwood exporter, driven by the excellence of family-run businesses."
Redding emphasized that these investments by the Shapiro Administration are crucial in supporting every aspect of Pennsylvania family businesses like Waltz Vineyards - from innovation and planning to production and promotion. "These investments will help keep Pennsylvania family businesses thriving and Pennsylvania agriculture a national leader for years to come," he stated.
The event also featured speakers such as Zach Waltz, Vice President of PA Wine Association; Mark Rozum, President of PA Wine Association; Senator James Malone; and Jan Waltz.
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