Two Berks County food producers will share more than half a million dollars in federal funding as part of a broader $21 million investment announced by the Shapiro Administration this week to enhance Pennsylvania’s food supply chain and agricultural economy.
Clover Farms Dairy and Keim Orchard were among 77 recipients across the Commonwealth selected through the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) program, which aims to modernize facilities, improve food distribution, and expand access to fresh, locally produced food.
Clover Farms Dairy, one of Berks County’s largest dairy processors, received a $500,000 infrastructure grant to expand refrigeration capacity and support product development. The upgrades are expected to increase milk processing and allow the dairy to source from more than ten local producers.
Keim Orchard, located in the Oley Valley, was awarded $48,745 in an equipment-only grant to improve its fruit packing operation. The funds will help the orchard install stainless steel machinery, enhancing efficiency and meeting food safety certifications. These improvements will support expanded distribution to schools, food banks, and regional wholesalers.
The RFSI program, administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, provides matching grants to farms and food manufacturers. While most applicants must provide a dollar-for-dollar match, historically underserved, women-owned, and veteran-owned businesses qualify for a reduced 25 percent match.
Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding said the funding is designed to create a more resilient local food economy. “Pennsylvania is investing to feed our future through a stronger local supply chain, which means healthier communities, thriving businesses, more job opportunities, and more resilience in challenging times,” Redding said in a statement.
The investments complement other agriculture-focused initiatives under Governor Josh Shapiro’s economic development strategy, including the Agriculture Innovation Grant Program and the Fresh Food Financing Initiative. His proposed 2025–26 budget includes additional funding to continue supporting farm infrastructure, workforce development, and emergency food programs statewide.
Berks County’s inclusion in this round of grant funding highlights the region’s continued importance in Pennsylvania’s $132.5 billion agriculture industry, with projects poised to benefit both local farmers and consumers.