Reading, PA — June 12, 2026 — Today, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture announced $9.7 million in Agricultural Innovation Grant Program funding for 97 projects, including $407,580 in funding for four Berks County projects.
The Agricultural Innovation Grant Program is the first of its kind in the nation. The program is designed to help farmers, agricultural producers and research entities implement new technology, generate clean energy and protect natural resources.
Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks), who serves as the Democratic Chair of the Pennsylvania Senate Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee, applauded the funding and worked closely with Clover Farms and the Department of Agriculture to secure funding that will support Berks County agriculture.
“I’m excited to see the Ag Innovation Program making an impact in my district, and I believe this program sets Pennsylvania’s agriculture sector up for lasting success,” said Schwank. “I’ve been in close contact with Secretary Redding and Clover Farms leadership to ensure it was clear that their application was a priority and will benefit dairy farmers in our region. I deeply value our partnership and want to thank the Department of Agriculture and the Shapiro Administration for the steps they are taking to strengthen the industry.”
The awards for the 11th Senatorial District are below:
Clover Farms Dairy — $310,000 to establish an automated milk-handling and tracking system.
PA Hemp Industrial Council — $50,000 for planning for a hemp grain cooperative.
Rodale Institute — $31,380 for scaling precision weed management for organic farmers with photo-guided cultivation systems.
Alvernia University — $16,200 for the aeroponics greenhouse project.
For more information about the Agricultural Innovation Grant Program, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s website.
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