The Shapiro Administration has launched its 2025 Urban Agriculture Tour, starting at the Bidwell Training Center in Pittsburgh. This initiative highlights investments in urban agriculture, aiming to boost innovation, equity, and opportunity in urban communities. Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding emphasized the administration’s commitment to enhancing local economies by ensuring access to fresh food and fostering growth through partnerships with organizations like Grow Pittsburgh and the Pittsburgh Food Policy Council.
Throughout the week, Secretary Redding and other officials will visit various parts of Pennsylvania to engage with individuals working to improve fresh food access and address socioeconomic barriers. Acting Education Secretary Dr. Carrie Rowe said that urban agriculture connects education with purpose, providing pathways from classrooms to careers, especially in underserved areas.
DCED Secretary Rick Siger noted that investments in urban agriculture are creating jobs and improving access to fresh food in underserved neighborhoods. The Commonwealth’s agricultural industry is a key focus of Pennsylvania’s Economic Development Strategy.
Earlier this year, Governor Josh Shapiro announced Agricultural Innovation grants totaling $10 million for 88 businesses across 46 counties. These funds support advanced agricultural technologies, including expansions at Bidwell Training Center. Dr. Ryan Gott from Bidwell highlighted that these upgrades aim to stabilize local food systems through technological innovation and training future workers.
In March 2025, a $500,000 investment was made in Pennsylvania Urban Agriculture Infrastructure Grants across 10 counties. Since 2019, over $3.2 million has been invested in urban agriculture projects through this program.
State Representative Emily Kinkead emphasized the importance of investing in urban agriculture for growing opportunities and equity for future farmers. Governor Shapiro’s proposed budget for 2025-26 includes additional funding for agricultural initiatives aimed at maintaining Pennsylvania’s leadership in agriculture.
For more details on Governor Josh Shapiro’s Economic Development Strategy and budget proposals related to agriculture, visit shapirobudget.pa.gov.
Information from this article can be found here.
