Penn State Receives State Grants for Brewing Program, Hemp Production Research

A handful of state grants awarded to Penn State last week will help the university continue researching brewing, hemp production and the spotted lanternfly.

Funded under the Pennsylvania Farm Bill, the Specialty Crop Block Grants support high priority crops that aren’t eligible under the federal specialty crop grant program.

Penn State received:

– A $69,797 grant to study the spotted lanternfly’s impact on the hardwood ornamental industry;

– A $126,730 grant to optimize genotype selection and management practices in Pennsylvania hemp production; and

– A $72,049 grant to create a Specialty Crop Block Grant Brewing Program.

State Rep. Scott Conklin, D-Rush Township, said in a statement the grants will help develop Pennsylvania’s agricultural prowess.

“These block grants are used to help support and assist with the growth of high-priority crops, including those vital for craft beer production, such as hops, barley, rye and wheat,” Conklin said. “While we have had a strong craft brew industry here in Pennsylvania, these funds will help our state to continue to strengthen the industry and provide additional opportunities in the agriculture field.”

Penn State’s grants were among $460,000 awarded under the program, which supports projects to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of specialty crops through research. High-priority crops in Pennsylvania include hemp, hops, hardwoods, honey and barley, rye and wheat for distilling, brewing and malting

“Increasing market access and competitiveness means investing in crops with high growth potential that otherwise may be overlooked,” Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding said in a statement. “There is strength in our diversity, and we need to ensure growers – no matter size, scope or production – have every opportunity to succeed, strengthening both on-farm vitality and our commonwealth’s economic impact.”

StateCollege.com’s Geoff Rushton contributed to this report.