Deluzio Celebrates USDA Grant for Natrona Heights Farm
FAWN TWP, PA – Today, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) joined United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Senior Advisor for Rural Engagement Cindy Axne at a farm in Natrona Heights, Pennsylvania. Congressman Deluzio and Senior Advisor Axne toured Blackberry Meadows Farm, which recently received a $13,285 USDA Rural Energy for America Grant that enabled the owner to purchase a high-efficiency freezer for the storage and sale of their organic pork. The freezer is currently operational.
“It was wonderful to visit Blackberry Meadows Farm today in Natrona Heights to celebrate their recent grant and learn more about how this new freezer will improve operations for the farm,” said Congressman Deluzio. “I’m grateful I could host USDA Rural Engagement Senior Advisor Cindy Axne to see the impact of this federal grant in action.”
“The farm we visited today is a perfect example of how the Inflation Reduction Act is lowering costs for rural Americans,” USDA Senior Advisor for Rural Engagement Cindy Axne said. “Thanks to President Biden, Vice President Harris, Secretary Vilsack and leaders in Congress like Congressman Deluzio, USDA can help reduce farmers energy costs through the Rural Energy for America Program. And when quality food is sourced locally it not only provides additional income for the farmer, but it also drives down food costs in the local economy because transportation and refrigeration costs are reduced. This region is blessed with a food economy where everyone is participating locally, and we were happy to provide a boost in capital through our federal economic development programs to help drive these costs down and feed rural Pennsylvanians.”
This Rural Development investment was used to purchase and install a high-efficiency, top-mount, self-contained evaporator and condensing walk-in freezer at the Urban Homesteaders LLC DBA Blackberry Meadows Farm. Founded in 2008, Urban Homesteaders LLC specializes in certified organic pork and produce. This project is expected to save the business approximately $250 per year and will decrease its energy consumption by 27 percent.
Previously, this same farm received another USDA Rural Development investment (a $225,000 grant) that was primarily used to support the processing and marketing of the pork and mixed vegetable products they sell at local markets. This project was anticipated to increase the agricultural producer's customer base by 75 per week and increase its revenue by approximately $270,000 over a 3-year period.
Photos from the Congressman’s tour of the farm are available here for media use.
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