HARRISBURG – A state grant of $501,136 was awarded to Little Leaf Farms to support their efforts to build four new ten-acre indoor greenhouses, according to Sen. Dave Argall (R-29) and Rep. Doyle Heffley (R-122).
Their plans include expanding their greenhouse space in Banks Township, near McAdoo, from 20 acres to 60 acres, resulting in at least 300 new, family-sustaining jobs for the community. Once completed, it will become the largest indoor lettuce production facility in the world.
“Little Leaf Farms is changing how the lettuce industry operates right here in Carbon County,” said Argall. “I’m thankful they were awarded this highly competitive funding to support their grand plans for the future.”
“Little Leaf Farms is a world leader, pioneering innovative agricultural processes that are revolutionizing how lettuce is grown,” said Heffley. “Carbon County has a heritage of hard-working industrious individuals, from mining coal to building canals and railroads, and now new food production processes that will compliment and expand our economic portfolio. I’m happy to see the continued growth of Little Leaf Farms and jobs in Carbon County.”
The awarded funds will reinforce the natural gas pipelines at the site to support the planned new greenhouses.
The grant was awarded through the Pipeline Investment Program during a meeting of the Commonwealth Financing Authority this morning. The grant will be matched by an equal investment by UGI Utilities.
CONTACT: Jim Brugger (Argall)
Melissa Fox (Heffley)