Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding, Education Secretary Dr. Carrie Rowe, and Community and Economic Development Secretary Rick Siger kicked off the Shapiro Administration’s 2025 Urban Agriculture Tour this week at Bidwell Training Center in Pittsburgh.
The tour began at the Drew Mathieson Greenhouse, where a high-tech expansion project is underway. The project is funded by the state’s Agricultural Innovation Grant Program and aims to support training in culinary and horticulture careers for urban students.
The Agricultural Innovation Grant, announced in February 2025, included a $10 million investment in 88 agricultural businesses across 46 counties. Bidwell Training Center was one of the recipients.
Throughout the week, state officials will meet with Pennsylvanians working to expand fresh food access, eliminate racial and economic barriers, and improve urban communities through agriculture.
Last March, the administration announced a $500,000 investment through the Pennsylvania Urban Agriculture Infrastructure Grant Program to support projects in 10 counties, including Pittsburgh. Since its creation in 2019, the program has awarded over $3.2 million to 160 projects in 19 counties.
The program supports urban agriculture initiatives such as greenhouses, energy and water systems, cold storage, and tools that help organizations expand their impact.
Grow Pittsburgh, which participated in a panel hosted by State Rep. Emily Kinkead, has received $157,000 in Urban Ag Grants in previous years for infrastructure improvements and program expansion.
Governor Josh Shapiro’s 2025-26 proposed budget includes:
- $13 million in additional funding for the Ag Innovation Grant Program.
- $4 million increases each for the Pennsylvania Agricultural Surplus System (PASS) and State Food Purchase Program (SFPP).
- Continued funding of $13.5 million for the Pennsylvania Farm Bill to support farm planning, infrastructure, and workforce development.
For more information, visit shapirobudget.pa.gov.
