Solving difficult animal ag challenges

Dec 18, 2023

Innovators in Pennsylvania can receive support for their ideas

By Diego Flammini
Staff Writer
Farms.com

Lawmakers in Pennsylvania are appealing to innovators in the ag industry with ideas to help solve ag challenges.

The state government is making $450,000 in research grants available through the Center for Poultry and Livestock Excellence.

The center is looking for proposals focusing on poultry, swing, sheep and goat production.

Examples include advancing biosecurity protections and animal disease preparation and response; and enhancing the state’s supply chain to increase food security.

"Funding these projects expands our capacity to tackle costly, complex challenges like the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza crisis, and other diseases that threaten our food supply," Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding said in a statement. "Research feeds innovation and productivity, keeping Pennsylvania's $132.5 billion agriculture industry growing."

Examples of successful projects include a campaign to raise awareness about highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).

In February 2022, $50,000 was granted to create and purchase advertisement space to inform the public about HPAI and how it affects birds and ag.

Another project saw more than $88,000 go towards working with poultry and feed companies for feed trials of hemp in animal diets.

Project proposals can be submitted until 11 a.m. on March 21, 2024.

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