October 23, 2024 - Waterford, PA
Governor Josh Shapiro visited start-up company Folkland Foods, located in Waterford, Erie County, to announce a $3 million Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) investment in the company. This funding will support a significant capital expansion that will enable Folkland's parent company Troyer, Inc. - the only organic potato supplier on the East Coast - to expand its operations, transition more acreage to organic farming, and begin producing a range of potato products, creating up to 50 new local jobs in the region over the first three years. Owned and operated by the Troyer family, who have been a mainstay in northwestern Pennsylvania's potato farming industry for three generations, Folkland Foods is poised to build on its legacy of agricultural success and pioneering role in organic farming."I'm excited to announce this $3 million investment in Folkland Foods, a company that is leading the way in organic farming and sustainable practices, built on hard work and know-how developed right here in Pennsylvania. This expansion will create 50 new, good-paying jobs and significantly boost the local economy in Erie County, all while reinforcing Pennsylvania's reputation as a leader in agriculture and food production," said Governor Shapiro. "My Administration is committed to making targeted investments like this one that benefit our farmers, strengthen rural economies, and ensure Pennsylvania remains at the forefront of agricultural innovation and production for generations to come."List of Speakers:Zack Troyer, co-founder of Folkland FoodsGovernor ShapiroDepartment of Agriculture Secretary Russell ReddingBrian Garlick, Folkland's Chief Operating Officer