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February 19, 2026 - Gardners, PA

Agriculture Secretary Tours Rice Fruit Company to See How Shapiro Administration Agricultural Innovation Grants Are Helping Businesses 'Get Stuff Done'

Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding toured Adams County family-owned Rice Fruit Company, where robotic equipment was purchased with $130,000 in support from the nation's first Agricultural Innovation Grant Program. The new, state-of-the-art system has helped modernize operations for the 112-year-old business, increasing speed and efficiency and lowering costs for one of Pennsylvania's leading apple producers.

"Rice Fruit Company is one of the reasons Pennsylvania continues to be a national leader, known for producing the finest apples anywhere," said Sec. Redding. "Helping families like the Rices compete and grow their businesses is the reason the Shapiro Administration launched Ag Innovation Grants. This investment is working across Pennsylvania improving lives and helping family businesses get stuff done."

In its first year, the Agricultural Innovation Grant Program received an overwhelming response with more than $68 million in funding requests for an available $10 million in grants. Eighty-eight projects funded in the first round include technologies that are working across the state to improve on-farm and processing efficiency, generate renewable energy while reducing nutrient waste, and support crops and practices that store carbon or replace non-renewable resources.


Gardners, PA. Pictured here the new automated apple-bin tipper system at Rice Fruit Company, purchased with Agricultural Innovation Grant money. Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding toured the Adams County family-owned Rice Fruit Company, where robotic equipment was purchased with $130,000 in support from the nations first Agricultural Innovation Grant Program. The new, state-of-the-art system has helped modernize operations for the 112-year-old business, increasing speed and efficiency and lowering costs for one of Pennsylvanias leading apple producers. February 19, 2026.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/28982_Agri_AgInnovatRice_AG_01.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Gardners, PA. Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding toured Adams County family-owned Rice Fruit Company, where robotic equipment was purchased with $130,000 in support from the nations first Agricultural Innovation Grant Program. The new, state-of-the-art system has helped modernize operations for the 112-year-old business, increasing speed and efficiency and lowering costs for one of Pennsylvanias leading apple producers. February 19, 2026.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/28982_Agri_AgInnovatRice_AG_02.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Gardners, PA. Pictured here the new automated apple-bin tipper system at Rice Fruit Company, purchased with Agricultural Innovation Grant money. Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding toured the Adams County family-owned Rice Fruit Company, where robotic equipment was purchased with $130,000 in support from the nations first Agricultural Innovation Grant Program. The new, state-of-the-art system has helped modernize operations for the 112-year-old business, increasing speed and efficiency and lowering costs for one of Pennsylvanias leading apple producers. February 19, 2026.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/28982_Agri_AgInnovatRice_AG_03.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Gardners, PA. Pictured here the new automated apple-bin tipper system at Rice Fruit Company, purchased with Agricultural Innovation Grant money. Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding toured the Adams County family-owned Rice Fruit Company, where robotic equipment was purchased with $130,000 in support from the nations first Agricultural Innovation Grant Program. The new, state-of-the-art system has helped modernize operations for the 112-year-old business, increasing speed and efficiency and lowering costs for one of Pennsylvanias leading apple producers. February 19, 2026.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/28982_Agri_AgInnovatRice_AG_04.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Gardners, PA. Pictured here the new automated apple-bin tipper system at Rice Fruit Company, purchased with Agricultural Innovation Grant money. Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding toured the Adams County family-owned Rice Fruit Company, where robotic equipment was purchased with $130,000 in support from the nations first Agricultural Innovation Grant Program. The new, state-of-the-art system has helped modernize operations for the 112-year-old business, increasing speed and efficiency and lowering costs for one of Pennsylvanias leading apple producers. February 19, 2026.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/28982_Agri_AgInnovatRice_AG_05.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Gardners, PA. Pictured here the new automated apple-bin tipper system at Rice Fruit Company, purchased with Agricultural Innovation Grant money. Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding toured the Adams County family-owned Rice Fruit Company, where robotic equipment was purchased with $130,000 in support from the nations first Agricultural Innovation Grant Program. The new, state-of-the-art system has helped modernize operations for the 112-year-old business, increasing speed and efficiency and lowering costs for one of Pennsylvanias leading apple producers. February 19, 2026.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/28982_Agri_AgInnovatRice_AG_06.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Gardners, PA. Pictured here the new automated apple-bin tipper system at Rice Fruit Company, purchased with Agricultural Innovation Grant money. Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding toured the Adams County family-owned Rice Fruit Company, where robotic equipment was purchased with $130,000 in support from the nations first Agricultural Innovation Grant Program. The new, state-of-the-art system has helped modernize operations for the 112-year-old business, increasing speed and efficiency and lowering costs for one of Pennsylvanias leading apple producers. February 19, 2026.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/28982_Agri_AgInnovatRice_AG_07.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Gardners, PA. Pictured here the new automated apple-bin tipper system at Rice Fruit Company, purchased with Agricultural Innovation Grant money. Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding toured the Adams County family-owned Rice Fruit Company, where robotic equipment was purchased with $130,000 in support from the nations first Agricultural Innovation Grant Program. The new, state-of-the-art system has helped modernize operations for the 112-year-old business, increasing speed and efficiency and lowering costs for one of Pennsylvanias leading apple producers. February 19, 2026.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/28982_Agri_AgInnovatRice_AG_08.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Gardners, PA. Pictured here the new automated apple-bin tipper system at Rice Fruit Company, purchased with Agricultural Innovation Grant money. Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding toured the Adams County family-owned Rice Fruit Company, where robotic equipment was purchased with $130,000 in support from the nations first Agricultural Innovation Grant Program. The new, state-of-the-art system has helped modernize operations for the 112-year-old business, increasing speed and efficiency and lowering costs for one of Pennsylvanias leading apple producers. February 19, 2026.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/28982_Agri_AgInnovatRice_AG_09.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Gardners, PA. Pictured here the control system for the new automated apple-bin tipper system at Rice Fruit Company, purchased with Agricultural Innovation Grant money. Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding toured the Adams County family-owned Rice Fruit Company, where robotic equipment was purchased with $130,000 in support from the nations first Agricultural Innovation Grant Program. The new, state-of-the-art system has helped modernize operations for the 112-year-old business, increasing speed and efficiency and lowering costs for one of Pennsylvanias leading apple producers. February 19, 2026.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/28982_Agri_AgInnovatRice_AG_10.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Gardners, PA. Ben Rice, President of Rice Fruit Company (right), discusses the new technology innovations occurring at his company, with Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding (left). Secretary Redding toured the Adams County family-owned Rice Fruit Company, where robotic equipment was purchased with $130,000 in support from the nations first Agricultural Innovation Grant Program. The new, state-of-the-art system has helped modernize operations for the 112-year-old business, increasing speed and efficiency and lowering costs for one of Pennsylvanias leading apple producers. February 19, 2026.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/28982_Agri_AgInnovatRice_AG_11.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Gardners, PA. Tour participants pose for a picture in front of the new automated apple-bin tipper system at Rice Fruit Company, purchased with Agricultural Innovation Grant money. Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding toured the Adams County family-owned Rice Fruit Company, where robotic equipment was purchased with $130,000 in support from the nations first Agricultural Innovation Grant Program. The new, state-of-the-art system has helped modernize operations for the 112-year-old business, increasing speed and efficiency and lowering costs for one of Pennsylvanias leading apple producers. February 19, 2026.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/28982_Agri_AgInnovatRice_AG_12.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Gardners, PA. Other technology innovations being utilized at Rice Fruit Company. Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding toured the Adams County family-owned Rice Fruit Company, where robotic equipment was purchased with $130,000 in support from the nations first Agricultural Innovation Grant Program. The new, state-of-the-art system has helped modernize operations for the 112-year-old business, increasing speed and efficiency and lowering costs for one of Pennsylvanias leading apple producers. February 19, 2026.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/28982_Agri_AgInnovatRice_AG_13.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Gardners, PA. Other technology innovations being utilized at Rice Fruit Company. Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding toured the Adams County family-owned Rice Fruit Company, where robotic equipment was purchased with $130,000 in support from the nations first Agricultural Innovation Grant Program. The new, state-of-the-art system has helped modernize operations for the 112-year-old business, increasing speed and efficiency and lowering costs for one of Pennsylvanias leading apple producers. February 19, 2026.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/28982_Agri_AgInnovatRice_AG_14.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Gardners, PA. Other technology innovations being utilized at Rice Fruit Company. Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding toured the Adams County family-owned Rice Fruit Company, where robotic equipment was purchased with $130,000 in support from the nations first Agricultural Innovation Grant Program. The new, state-of-the-art system has helped modernize operations for the 112-year-old business, increasing speed and efficiency and lowering costs for one of Pennsylvanias leading apple producers. February 19, 2026.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/28982_Agri_AgInnovatRice_AG_15.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Gardners, PA. Other technology innovations being utilized at Rice Fruit Company. Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding toured the Adams County family-owned Rice Fruit Company, where robotic equipment was purchased with $130,000 in support from the nations first Agricultural Innovation Grant Program. The new, state-of-the-art system has helped modernize operations for the 112-year-old business, increasing speed and efficiency and lowering costs for one of Pennsylvanias leading apple producers. February 19, 2026.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/28982_Agri_AgInnovatRice_AG_16.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Gardners, PA. Other technology innovations being utilized at Rice Fruit Company. Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding toured the Adams County family-owned Rice Fruit Company, where robotic equipment was purchased with $130,000 in support from the nations first Agricultural Innovation Grant Program. The new, state-of-the-art system has helped modernize operations for the 112-year-old business, increasing speed and efficiency and lowering costs for one of Pennsylvanias leading apple producers. February 19, 2026.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/28982_Agri_AgInnovatRice_AG_17.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Gardners, PA. Other technology innovations being utilized at Rice Fruit Company. Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding toured the Adams County family-owned Rice Fruit Company, where robotic equipment was purchased with $130,000 in support from the nations first Agricultural Innovation Grant Program. The new, state-of-the-art system has helped modernize operations for the 112-year-old business, increasing speed and efficiency and lowering costs for one of Pennsylvanias leading apple producers. February 19, 2026.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/28982_Agri_AgInnovatRice_AG_18.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Gardners, PA. Other technology innovations being utilized at Rice Fruit Company. Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding toured the Adams County family-owned Rice Fruit Company, where robotic equipment was purchased with $130,000 in support from the nations first Agricultural Innovation Grant Program. The new, state-of-the-art system has helped modernize operations for the 112-year-old business, increasing speed and efficiency and lowering costs for one of Pennsylvanias leading apple producers. February 19, 2026.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/28982_Agri_AgInnovatRice_AG_19.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Gardners, PA. Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding toured Adams County family-owned Rice Fruit Company, where robotic equipment was purchased with $130,000 in support from the nations first Agricultural Innovation Grant Program. The new, state-of-the-art system has helped modernize operations for the 112-year-old business, increasing speed and efficiency and lowering costs for one of Pennsylvanias leading apple producers. February 19, 2026.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/28982_Agri_AgInnovatRice_AG_20.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Gardners, PA. Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding toured Adams County family-owned Rice Fruit Company, where robotic equipment was purchased with $130,000 in support from the nations first Agricultural Innovation Grant Program. The new, state-of-the-art system has helped modernize operations for the 112-year-old business, increasing speed and efficiency and lowering costs for one of Pennsylvanias leading apple producers. February 19, 2026.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/28982_Agri_AgInnovatRice_AG_21.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Gardners, PA. Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding, along with Ben Rice, President of Rice Fruit Company, sits down with other Rice Fruit Company and Agriculture staff to discuss innovations in the fruit industry. Secretary Redding toured the Adams County family-owned Rice Fruit Company, where robotic equipment was purchased with $130,000 in support from the nations first Agricultural Innovation Grant Program. The new, state-of-the-art system has helped modernize operations for the 112-year-old business, increasing speed and efficiency and lowering costs for one of Pennsylvanias leading apple producers. February 19, 2026.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/28982_Agri_AgInnovatRice_AG_22.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Gardners, PA. Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding, along with Ben Rice, President of Rice Fruit Company, sits down with other Rice Fruit Company and Agriculture staff to discuss innovations in the fruit industry. Secretary Redding toured the Adams County family-owned Rice Fruit Company, where robotic equipment was purchased with $130,000 in support from the nations first Agricultural Innovation Grant Program. The new, state-of-the-art system has helped modernize operations for the 112-year-old business, increasing speed and efficiency and lowering costs for one of Pennsylvanias leading apple producers. February 19, 2026.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/28982_Agri_AgInnovatRice_AG_23.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Gardners, PA. Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding, along with Ben Rice, President of Rice Fruit Company, sits down with other Rice Fruit Company and Agriculture staff to discuss innovations in the fruit industry. Secretary Redding toured the Adams County family-owned Rice Fruit Company, where robotic equipment was purchased with $130,000 in support from the nations first Agricultural Innovation Grant Program. The new, state-of-the-art system has helped modernize operations for the 112-year-old business, increasing speed and efficiency and lowering costs for one of Pennsylvanias leading apple producers. February 19, 2026.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/28982_Agri_AgInnovatRice_AG_24.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Gardners, PA. Brenda Briggs, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Rice Fruit Company, discuss innovations in the fruit industry. Secretary Redding toured the Adams County family-owned Rice Fruit Company, where robotic equipment was purchased with $130,000 in support from the nations first Agricultural Innovation Grant Program. The new, state-of-the-art system has helped modernize operations for the 112-year-old business, increasing speed and efficiency and lowering costs for one of Pennsylvanias leading apple producers. February 19, 2026.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/28982_Agri_AgInnovatRice_AG_25.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Gardners, PA. Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding, along with Ben Rice, President of Rice Fruit Company, sits down with other Rice Fruit Company and Agriculture staff to discuss innovations in the fruit industry. Secretary Redding toured the Adams County family-owned Rice Fruit Company, where robotic equipment was purchased with $130,000 in support from the nations first Agricultural Innovation Grant Program. The new, state-of-the-art system has helped modernize operations for the 112-year-old business, increasing speed and efficiency and lowering costs for one of Pennsylvanias leading apple producers. February 19, 2026.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/28982_Agri_AgInnovatRice_AG_26.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Gardners, PA. Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding, along with Ben Rice, President of Rice Fruit Company, sits down with other Rice Fruit Company and Agriculture staff to discuss innovations in the fruit industry. Secretary Redding toured the Adams County family-owned Rice Fruit Company, where robotic equipment was purchased with $130,000 in support from the nations first Agricultural Innovation Grant Program. The new, state-of-the-art system has helped modernize operations for the 112-year-old business, increasing speed and efficiency and lowering costs for one of Pennsylvanias leading apple producers. February 19, 2026.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/28982_Agri_AgInnovatRice_AG_27.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Gardners, PA. Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding, along with Ben Rice, President of Rice Fruit Company, sits down with other Rice Fruit Company and Agriculture staff to discuss innovations in the fruit industry. Secretary Redding toured the Adams County family-owned Rice Fruit Company, where robotic equipment was purchased with $130,000 in support from the nations first Agricultural Innovation Grant Program. The new, state-of-the-art system has helped modernize operations for the 112-year-old business, increasing speed and efficiency and lowering costs for one of Pennsylvanias leading apple producers. February 19, 2026.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/28982_Agri_AgInnovatRice_AG_28.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a>