HARRISBURG – Farms in Schuylkill County were awarded funding from the Agriculture Innovation Grant program to adopt cutting-edge technologies today, according to Sen. Dave Argall (R-29), Rep. JoAnne Stehr (R-107), and Rep. Tim Twardzik (R-123).
Jersey Acres Farms in Wayne Township was awarded $100,000 for implementing automatic milking robots. Keystone Potato Products in Frailey Township was awarded $100,000 for robotics systems to fill retail bins of bagged potatoes. Sterman Masser in Hubley Township was awarded $200,000 to deploy new methods for potato farming and processing on the East Coast.
“Technology and innovation in the agricultural industry is rapidly driving tremendous amounts of positive change and growth opportunities,” said Michael Pechart, Chief Operating Officer, Masser Family of Companies. “To stay competitive in the food industry, you must lean forward and innovate at warp speed. These grant dollars will help us meet changing consumer and customer expectations and stay ahead of the curve both nationally and internationally.”
“By supporting new technologies, we’re growing our local economy and creating new jobs,” said Argall.
“These grants are a big win for our local agriculture industry, helping businesses embrace new technology and stay at the forefront of innovation,” said Stehr. “Keystone Potato Products and Sterman Masser are making exciting advancements in potato farming and processing, and this funding will support their efforts to improve efficiency and grow their operations right here in our region.”
“Investing in agricultural innovation helps our local farmers stay competitive, boost efficiency, and ensure a strong future for Pennsylvania’s agriculture industry,” said Twardzik. “I’m thrilled to see Jersey Acres Farms receive this grant funding to implement automatic milking robots.”
The Agriculture Innovation Grant program was created through the bipartisan 2024-25 state budget. More than $10 million was dedicated to this program to support farmers and help them adopt new technologies to advance the industry.
CONTACT: Jim Brugger (Argall)
Will Jones (Stehr, Twardzik)