April 09, 2021 - BOILING SPRINGS, PA
On a preserved farm in Cumberland County, Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding announced the opening of the $1 million Farm Vitality Grant Program. One of the largest of the programs in Governor Tom Wolf's Pennsylvania Farm Bill, the Farm Vitality Program aims to enhance the long-term health and vitality of Pennsylvania's farms."Pennsylvania's more than 53,000 farms are the backbone of our reliable food system. They are the heart of Pennsylvania, just like this $1 million Farm Vitality Grant Program is the heart of the Pennsylvania Farm Bill," said Redding. "Pennsylvania's farm families need sound business plans, because their success is success for all of Pennsylvania."Trever Gill, fourth generation Cumberland County farmer, received a $7,200 Farm Vitality grant last year to seek succession and business planning services, through Ag Choice Farm Credit, to help their family navigate the transition of their 95-acre Boiling Springs farm to Gill from his grandparents. Gill is one of 133 grantees in 46 counties from the first round of Farm Vitality funding.The 2020-21 Farm Vitality Grant Program will help fund professional services for those planning for the future of a farm. It aims to enhance the long-term health and vitality of Pennsylvania's farms through sound business planning, efficient transitions of farm ownership, strategic farm expansion, diversification of agricultural production, and financial and technical expertise.
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