ADVISORY - Lancaster - Shapiro Administration to Wrap Up 2026 Urban Agriculture Tour, Highlighting Investments that Expand Food Access and Economic Opportunity

July 17, 2026 - Lancaster, PA

ADVISORY - Lancaster - Shapiro Administration to Wrap Up 2026 Urban Agriculture Tour, Highlighting Investments that Expand Food Access and Economic Opportunity

Today, Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding will wrap up the Shapiro Administration's 2026 Urban Agriculture Tour at Lancaster Recreation's Bay Street Garden, where a $45,109 Urban Agriculture Infrastructure Grant is supporting innovative approaches to producing fresh food on a redeveloped urban site.

Urban Agriculture Grants are part of the Pennsylvania Farm Bill, fully funded for an eighth year at $13.8 million in the 2026-27 budget Governor Shapiro signed Sunday.

The weeklong tour has featured projects supported by Shapiro Administration initiatives and investments at work increasing economic opportunities and meeting specific local challenges to providing fresh food in urban communities. Highlighted projects are funded by PA Farm Bill Urban Agriculture Infrastructure Grants, as well as ,Agriculture Innovation Grants, Fresh Food Financing Grants and other Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture programs.

Throughout this week, Secretary Redding visited communities across Pennsylvania to highlight Governor Josh Shapiro's investments in urban agriculture, showcasing projects that expand access to fresh food, strengthen local economies, and build heathier neighborhoods. Stops included Erie, Pittrsburgh, Williamsport, Shamokin, Philadelphia, and Lancaster. Find more information and a photo gallery here.

WHO:
Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding
Pennsylvania State Senator James Malone
State Representative Izzy Smith-Wade El
Lancaster Mayor Jaime Arroyo
Lancaster Recreation Commission Associate Executive Director Jack Bingeman
Lancaster City Bureau Chief of Health Craig Walt
Lancaster Director of Public Works Stephen Campbell
Bay Street Garden Volunteer Shauna Yorty

WHEN: Friday, July 17 at 1:30 p.m.

WHERE: Bay Street Garden, 716-728 Bay Street, Lancaster, PA 17603

(Press conference to precede garden tour led by Bay St. Garden Volunteer Andrew Phillips. Parking on Bay St. is limited. Additional parking on Ruby and 2nd Streets.)

RSVP: Please email [email protected] if you would like to attend.

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