Growing Pennsylvania’s Ag Industry & Creating Jobs in Lebanon County: Governor Shapiro Secures $152 Million Investment from Bell & Evans to Expand Operations, Create 382 New Jobs

Bell & Evans is expanding its operation in Bethel Township, and the Commonwealth is investing $2 million in the project, which will create at least 382 new jobs and retain over 2,500 existing jobs.

Agriculture is a key part of Governor Shapiro's economic development plan, and with today's announcement and the recent historic $1.2 billion investment from Chobani, the Shapiro Administration continues to expand markets and opportunities for Pennsylvania farms.

Since taking office, the Shapiro Administration has competed for and won over $43 billion in private sector investments that are creating nearly 29,000 new jobs and driving economic growth across the Commonwealth.

Harrisburg, PA - Today, Governor Josh Shapiro announced the Commonwealth secured a $152 million investment from Bell & Evans to support the premium poultry producer's expansion in Bethel Township. The Commonwealth is investing $2 million in the project, which will create at least 382 new jobs over the next three years and retain 2,524 existing, full-time positions.

Bell & Evans has expanded its Plant Two operation at 2929 Rt. 22 in Bethel Township, which included the construction of a 50,000-square-foot addition to help increase capacity for further processing and packaging operations. Agriculture is a key pillar of Governor Shapiro's economic development plan - and this project will help continue to grow markets and expand opportunities for Pennsylvania's 48,800 family farms.

"Bell & Evans has been a part of Pennsylvania's economy for more than a hundred years - and this investment will continue to support family farms and ensure we remain a national leader in the agriculture industry for generations to come," said Governor Shapiro. "Deals like this are proof that putting agriculture at the center of Pennsylvania's economic development strategy is working. When I took office, I made clear that we would grow our economy and that agriculture would be central to that work - and that's exactly what we have done. My Administration is focused on making it easier for businesses to invest, grow, and create opportunity here in Pennsylvania - and we'll keep competing to bring more major investments and more good jobs to communities across our Commonwealth."

Coordinated by the Governor's BusinessPA team, Bell & Evans received a funding proposal from the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) that includes a $2 million Pennsylvania First grant.

"Bell & Evans' decision to make this significant investment in Lebanon County is a testament to the strength of Pennsylvania's agriculture industry and our strong business climate," said DCED Secretary Rick Siger. "When companies like Bell & Evans choose to expand in Pennsylvania, they create good jobs, strengthen our supply chains, grow our communities, and continue to position the Commonwealth to compete and win in a global economy."

Agriculture, which contributes $132.5 billion annually to Pennsylvania's economy, plays a crucial role in Pennsylvania's economy and is included in the five key industries highlighted in Governor Shapiro's Economic Development Strategy. From Tandem Foods in Allegheny County, Chobani in Lehigh County, The Wenger Group in Adams County, and Schreiber Foods in Cumberland County, the Shapiro Administration continues to support and strengthen Pennsylvania's agriculture industry.

"As a PA Preferred Organic™ brand, Bell & Evans reflects what Pennsylvania does best - producing high-quality food and creating opportunity from the farm to the marketplace," said Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding. "Growing these homegrown businesses creates stronger markets and a stronger future for our farmers who feed Pennsylvania and the nation."

Bell & Evans is a 5th generation family business and America's oldest branded chicken company. The company is the industry pioneer of all-natural Raised Without Antibiotics chicken and maintains the highest animal welfare standards in poultry. Bell & Evans produces 100 percent Raised Without Antibiotics chicken and organic-certified chicken with no commodity production.

"We're proud to be leading the growth of Pennsylvania agriculture and appreciate the ongoing support from the Governor's BusinessPA team, Secretary Redding and our local dignitaries," said Scott Sechler, Sr., Owner and Chairman, Bell & Evans. "Pennsylvania is our home. We're here to stay - building communities, creating strong livelihoods for our team members and offering stability for farmers. This is one of many projects in the works to support our mission of producing the best chicken in the world, right here in Pennsylvania."

"Bell & Evans has been instrumental in contributing to the economic vitality of not only our county, but the whole state," said Susan Eberly, President, Lebanon Valley Economic Development Corporation. "Having a long-time relationship with them on past and current projects, I have been impressed with their growth strategy. Their job creation numbers have been significant and will continue to have an economic spin-off effect on this generation and generations to come. As LVEDC President, I look forward to providing support now and well into the future."

"The Shapiro Administration's continued investment in Pennsylvania agriculture - from the HPAI Recovery Fund and Centers of Excellence to supporting Pennsylvania businesses - creates meaningful opportunities for our farmers and agricultural industry," said Chris Herr, Executive Vice President of PennAg Industries. "Bell & Evans is a world leader and innovator in humane, high-quality poultry processing, and PennAg is proud to advocate for the investments and partnerships that help pioneering businesses like Bell & Evans thrive while strengthening agriculture across the Commonwealth."

"Pennsylvania Farm Bureau is grateful that Bell & Evans has made such a meaningful investment in continuing to grow its agricultural footprint within Pennsylvania," said Pennsylvania Farm Bureau President Tommy Nagle. "When investments are made in Pennsylvania agriculture, our farmers win, and we're pleased to celebrate Bell & Evans and thank Governor Shapiro for his continued support of Pennsylvania's number one industry."

Pennsylvania's Agriculture Sector is the Backbone of the Commonwealth

With more than 48,800 farms contributing over $132 billion a year to the economy and supporting nearly 600,000 jobs in Pennsylvania, agriculture is foundational to the Commonwealth's heritage and future. Governor Shapiro has prioritized strengthening both agriculture and food security - helping farmers, families, and communities thrive.

The 2026-2027 bipartisan budget signed by Governor Shapiro earlier this year continues this work by:

• Maintaining $10 million for the Agricultural Innovation Grant Program to continue driving innovation in Pennsylvania agriculture.
• Establishing the PA Preferred Organic™ brand and the Organic Center of Excellence to accelerate the Commonwealth's leadership in organic agriculture.
• Continuing $13.8 million to fully fund the Pennsylvania Farm Bill to support business planning, infrastructure, and workforce development.
• Increasing the cap for capital development projects, which includes agricultural projects, in thePennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA) program from $200,000 to potentially up to $2 million.
• Directing funding to the Agricultural Business Development Center and the Centers of Plant, Beef, Poultry & Livestock, and Dairy Excellence to support farmers and producers with resources and services that enhance the long-term vitality of Pennsylvania farms.
• Sustaining funding for the nation's leading farmland preservation program, protecting 6,759 farms and 669,854 acres in 58 counties from future development.

Learn more about the Shapiro Administration's efforts to support Pennsylvania's workers and businesses and spur the economy ― building a stronger, more competitive economy for all Pennsylvanians.

Read more about the 2026-27 budget, view the Governor's remarks as prepared here, or watch the Governor's delivered remarks.

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