Brown Announces Agricultural Innovation Grants for District Businesses

August 13, 2026

HARRISBURG - Rep. Marla Brown (R-Lawrence) today announced two agricultural businesses in the 9th Legislative District have been awarded a combined $171,920 through the second round of Pennsylvania’s Agricultural Innovation Grant Program.

The grants will help local agricultural businesses invest in innovative technology designed to improve efficiency, productivity and profitability while supporting the long-term sustainability of Pennsylvania agriculture.

The Lawrence County recipients are:

• Dawson’s Orchards - $42,120 - Funding for an automated grading system for orchard crops.

• Den-Be Farms - $129,800 - Funding for a robotic milking system. 

“These grants are a great example of how investing in innovation can help our local agricultural businesses become more efficient, productive and competitive,” said Brown. “Our farmers and agricultural businesses work hard every day to produce the food we depend on, and they deserve access to the tools and technology that can help them succeed. I am looking forward to seeing the results of these investments in the years ahead.”

The Agricultural Innovation Grant Program is designed to help farmers and other agricultural businesses adopt new technologies, conservation practices and renewable-energy solutions. Grants can support projects that improve farm or processing efficiency, enhance production, protect soil and water resources, reduce waste, improve energy use, and implement innovative tools for managing crops, livestock and agricultural operations.