A statewide investment aimed at strengthening urban agriculture will bring new support to a project in Berks County, as part of nearly $500,000 awarded across Pennsylvania.
The Shapiro-Davis Administration announced 21 Urban Agriculture Infrastructure Grants totaling $499,480, designed to help address challenges faced by urban farmers, including soil quality, storage, and access to land. The funding supports projects in 13 counties, including Berks.
In Berks County, Alvernia University received $1,913 to support its Bog Turtle Creek Farm. The grant will be used to establish a grow room within the university’s campus sustainability program, with the goal of increasing fresh food production for the greater Reading community.
State officials said the program is focused on improving access to fresh, locally grown food in urban areas, particularly in neighborhoods where options are limited.
“Urban Ag grants are providing tools that help Pennsylvanians change Pennsylvania cities for the better,” said Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding. “Getting fresh, healthy food into neighborhoods where it is scarce, regenerating contaminated or depleted urban soil, and finding and affording land that won’t be sold after hard work and investments to improve it are just a few of the challenges with solutions funded by these grants.”
Lt. Gov. Austin Davis said the program also supports workforce development and economic opportunity through agriculture initiatives across the state.
Since 2019, Pennsylvania has invested more than $3.7 million in urban agriculture projects through the program, supporting 180 initiatives aimed at expanding food access and addressing long-standing inequities in city environments.
Funded projects statewide include greenhouses, rooftop and school gardens, irrigation systems, storage upgrades, and soil improvement efforts. Grants are offered as microgrants for smaller projects or as larger collaboration grants supporting regional partnerships.
State officials said the initiative is part of the PA Farm Bill and is intended to strengthen local food systems while supporting community development and public health.
