Farmers in Trump country were counting on clean energy grants. Then the government moved the goalposts. FloodlightMarch 27, 2025 Thousands of farmers and small rural businesses remain in limbo as USDA demands grant rewrites favoring fossil fuels over renewables. Food and AgricultureTrump on Earth
Gov. Shapiro demands USDA uphold contract for farmers and food banks Julie GrantMarch 26, 2025 Governor Josh Shapiro says Pennsylvania will appeal a decision by USDA to end a $13 million contract for the state’s farmers and food banks. Food and AgricultureTrump on Earth
Pennsylvania farm group faces layoffs amid federal funding freeze Julie GrantFebruary 28, 2025 The Trump administration has frozen USDA funds committed to Pasa Sustainable Agriculture to help farmers pay for climate-related projects. Climate ChangeFood and AgricultureTrump on EarthWater
New U.S. Farm Bill still out of reach, leaving programs unsettled Anne DanahyJanuary 8, 2025 Farmers and food security advocates hope Congress can deliver a new 5-year Farm Bill in 2025. They also want conservation funding to continue. Food and Agriculture
Is climate change to blame for the high cost of potato chips? We crunched the numbers Julie GrantDecember 30, 2024 Pennsylvania potato experts say potato chip prices are up because of inflation. But heat and poor growing conditions in the state are playing a role. Climate ChangeFood and Agriculture
Pennsylvania dairy farms have so far evaded a bird flu outbreak Kiley KoscinskiDecember 17, 2024 The state has required precautionary bulk milk testing since November for Pennsylvania's roughly 4,900 dairy farms. Food and AgricultureHealth
More than $40M heading to Pennsylvania farms to increase climate resilience Rachel McDevittDecember 4, 2024 Climate-smart practices include planting trees alongside croplands, managing fertilizer use and reducing emissions from livestock and manure. Climate ChangeFood and Agriculture
Is the drought coming for Christmas trees? Julie GrantNovember 25, 2024 There will be plenty of healthy Christmas trees this year, but many young trees haven’t survived the abnormally dry stretch of weather this summer and fall in Pennsylvania. Climate ChangeEconomyFood and Agriculture
Pittsburgh urban farmers get a nearly $900K boost from USDA 90.5 WESAOctober 16, 2024 The Allegheny County Conservation District was awarded $894,000 to support urban farming through outreach, education and technical assistance. Food and Agriculture
Farmer support for solar leasing depends on compatibility with rural values Kara HolsoppleOctober 10, 2024 A new study looks at attitudes toward solar installation among farmers and rural residents of southwestern Pennsylvania and western Maryland. Climate ChangeEnergyFood and AgricultureYour Environment Update
