New Funding Opportunity from PA Dept. of Agriculture

The PA Department of Agriculture and the PA State Conservation Commission have opened a new agriculture research grant program.

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The funding opportunity is categorized as an Agricultural Conservation Research Grant. The solicitation is looking for projects that will span from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2026, with the possibility of extending funding into subsequent years.

Research Topic Areas

The Department is particularly interested in funding conservation research projects related to:

Mushroom Industry Emissions

• Identify the sources of nuisance emissions in the mushroom industry and best mitigation practices that are applicable to operations in this Commonwealth.

• Quantify emissions from the mushroom industry and measure the impact of best practices that are deployed.

Manure Treatment Technologies (MTT)

• Quantify the impact of MTT on water quality, including traceability of nutrients as they are processed. Additionally, provide recommendations for best available technology or best practices, or both, to improve MTT utilization.

Climate Impact of Farming

Effectiveness of Land Remediation Practices

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Application are due Friday, June 7, 2024, at 5 p.m. Questions regarding this online application process may be directed to Michael Roth, Director of Conservation and Innovation for the Department, at (717) 787-6257. The full solicitation can be viewed here on the PA government's official bulletin.

Material Scientist Explains Hemp-reinforced Bioplastics

Listen to Bryce Peckman explain her Masters-level studies of industrial hemp as a filler in biodegradable plastic.

Many thanks to Drew Oberholtzer from Coexist Build for filming and conducting this interview, and to the PA Department of Agriculture and Department of Community and Economic Development for their support of this project. This footage was edited by Gabriella Fioravanti for publication to this website.

Jefferson Students Investigate Hemp Bioplastic

Researchers in the College of Design, Engineering, and Commerce at Thomas Jefferson University share their progress in formulating hemp-PLA composites. Through partnerships with PA-based companies and funding through the Department of Community and Economic Development, the Kander Research Group seeks to build a local supply chain for sustainable and biodegradable plastic manufacturing.

Recently featured at TJU's Celebration of Innovation, Lexi Patania, Maggie Riley, Ashley Clark, and Gabriella Fioravanti explain what motivates their work: