Northhampton News

Nearly $1 million worth of investments through Gov. Tom Wolf’s administration have been put toward strengthening the competitiveness of crops in the Quaker State.

Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding recently met with Penn State College of Agriculture Sciences Dean Rick Roush and pollinator researchers that have projects in the honey business that are benefitting from these investments, according to a March 28 press release.

“Pollinators are critical to the success of Pennsylvania agriculture; one out of every three bites we eat is thanks to pollinators," said Redding in the release. "Honeybees are a critical part of that narrative, but they are also key to growing new markets for specialty crops. Supporting honey research and promotion through the Pennsylvania Specialty Crop Block Grant allows the commonwealth to grow its honey market while simultaneously supporting research that will benefit pollinator health, and in return, all of Pennsylvania agriculture."

The Specialty Crop Block Grant is part of the Pennsylvania Farm Bill, the release stated. Through the grants, specialty crops that are not eligible under the federal specialty crop grant program, receive the funding they need. They are also designated as high priority crops in the state. This includes honey, hemp, hops, and hardwoods, as well as barley, rye, and wheat for distilling, brewing, and malting.  

Funded projects increase competitiveness and sustainability of specialty crops through research to increase conservation and environmental outcomes, while also enhancing food safety, developing new and improved seed varieties, and improving pest and disease control, according to the release.

The Grozinger Lab is part of the Penn State College of Agricultural Science Center for Pollinator Research and received a Specialty Crop Block Grant for competitiveness in the honey business, the release stated. The lab uses “DNA-barcoding technology to trace pollen grains as botanical fingerprints, allowing Pennsylvania beekeepers to authenticate varietal honey, such as alfalfa, buckwheat, and clover honey.”

The lab also analyzes trends in habitat and threats that impact foraging bees with the Geographic Information System known as, Beescape, according to the release.

"This knowledge is important to design pollinator habitats that support bee health, productivity and pollination services," said Roush. “We are grateful for the funding and are fortunate to have world-renowned scientists at the Center for Pollinator Research at Penn State. Their research is critical in preserving the pollination responsible for producing many nutritious foods and seed production to maintain the diversity of plant species."

The Grozinger Lab project is one of 23 across 11 counties that benefit from the State Specialty Crop Block Grant, according to the release. More information about specialty crop grant programs can be found at on Pennsylvania’s agriculture website.