State invests $2 million to research climate change; improve technology

Pennsylvania is investing more than $2 million in research to battle the effects of climate change. 

Gov. Tom Wolf today said six Pennsylvania organizations will receive grants for research on issues critical to sustaining and growing the state’s $132.5 billion agriculture industry. 

 Grant recipients include The Center for Dairy Excellence, Pasa Sustainable Agriculture, Pennsylvania State University, Rodale Institute, Stroud Water Research Institute, and University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine.

“Investing in research and development helps Pennsylvania battle the effects of climate change and stay on the cutting edge of technology, disease prevention and pest control,” Wolf said. “We are feeding innovation that advances human and animal medicine, and produces cleaner water, healthier soil, and a safer, more abundant food supply to sustain our future.”

The grants fund a broad range of research aimed at safely controlling spotted lanternfly and other invasive insects; boosting pollinator effectiveness; developing new methods of detecting and preventing animal diseases; building a skilled workforce to sustain growth; and improving soil and water quality through regenerative farming methods.

Among the grantees are: 

Rodale Institute, Berks County 

• Preparing a skilled agriculture workforce and fostering understanding of sustainable, regenerative farming methods — $500,000 

Center for Dairy Excellence, Harrisburg 

• Studying implications for dairy farmers of proposed reforms to the federal Milk Marketing Order, the rules surrounding dairy processor milk purchases– $30,000 

 Pasa Sustainable Agriculture – Berks County 

• Supporting farmers in setting management goals for improving soil health and measuring resulting improvements — $135,000