Agriculture Announces $1.3M In Ag Research Grants, Including On Nutrient Reductions, Spotted Lanternfly

The Department of Agriculture Thursday announced $1.3 million for 35 grants to support research agriculture-related research at Penn State University, the Rodale Institute and other institutions to address nutrient reduction, the Spotted Lanternfly and other important issues affecting the state’s agricultural industry.

“Since taking office, I have prioritized investments in education, research and development, and workforce opportunities, and these grants will further our understanding on how to manage against some of the most pressing challenges confronting agriculture today so that the industry can continue to be a positive economic force for our communities in the future,” said Gov. Tom Wolf. “By lending additional support to this critical research, we will be able to better identify, understand and address problem areas, and learn more about emerging opportunities in the industry.”

“Agriculture is a multi-billion-dollar industry with a strong, engaged, and passionate workforce,” said Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding. “From the lab to the classroom, from the field to the factory, agriculturists pour both brain power and sweat equity into their work in equal measure. We must continue to invest in research so that those workers can make informed, data-driven decisions and explore new opportunities as the industry evolves and grows.”

Among the grants are--

-- Penn State: $120,245 assessing the impact of the Spotted Lanternfly on managed agricultural ecosystems;

-- Penn State: $120,000 equipping scientists to better understand Spotted Lanternfly biology and control;

-- Penn State: $106,060 automatic tool to count Spotted Lanternfly from tree bands;

-- Temple: $42,601 an integrative approach to model, predict and control the Spotted Lanternfly;

-- Rodale Institute: $81,000 systems to optimize the production of organic potatoes;

-- Rodale Institute: $90,000 long-term vegetable systems trial in Pennsylvania;

-- American Mushroom Institute: $42,400 beneficial uses of mushroom compost; and

-- Awbury Arboretum: $5,000 researching innovative practices and protocols in STEM education.

Click Here for the complete list of projects funded.