Pennsylvania provides $96,000 for urban farming in Allegheny County

Grow Pittsburgh, which promotes regional urban agricultural initiatives, plans to expand through a $50,000 state grant that will help pay for a new greenhouse.

Jake Seltman, executive director of the Homewood-based organization, said Grow Pittsburgh would continue to partner with The Frick Pittsburgh for use of its greenhouse. He said a second greenhouse would provide more plant seedlings to urban and backyard gardeners and schools.

Grow Pittsburgh supports more than 100 community gardens and 30 school gardens.

“This is really going to help expand our operations across the region,” Seltman said. “We’re just really happy and thankful.”

Gov. Tom Wolf on Wednesday announced the state would distribute $500,000 in urban agricultural grants, including $96,075 for organizations in Allegheny County. In addition to Grow Pittsburgh, they include:

• Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh, $2,500 for seeds, soil, wood chips and equipment.
• Allegheny County Conservation District, $21,225 for 87 new raised beds and a hoop house.
• New Sun Rising, Triboro Ecodistrict Partnership, $8,600 for a refrigerator, seedlings and lumber.
• The Small Farmer, $2,500 for new cold storage.
• Hazelwood Initiative, $1,250 for compost and a picket fence.
• Hilltop Urban Farm, $2,500 for stainless steel tables and sinks.
• Richard’s Imagine Center of Hope, $2,500 for an automatic sprinkler system.
• Love ’n Fresh Flowers, Philadelphia, $2,500 for a cooler and insulation.
• Operation Better Block, $2,500 for materials to support the Junior Green Corps for food preservation and storage.