Bizzarro announces state funding to help Erie farmers
State funds more than $288,000 to improve production, efficiency
Rep. Ryan Bizzarro August 12, 2026 | 3:17 PM
ERIE, Aug. 12 – Four Erie County agricultural projects will receive a combined $288,170 in state funding to support innovative technology, improve efficiency and strengthen local agricultural operations, state Rep. Ryan Bizzarro announced today.
“This state funding is anchored in protecting our local soil and water resources while helping local business owners invest in technology that improves efficiency and production,” said Bizzarro, who represents Fairview and Millcreek townships. “Pennsylvania is always competing with other states for jobs and production, and these grants will allow our local agricultural businesses to innovate, grow and continue to lead by example.”
The Department of Agriculture approved the $9.7 million in 97 projects statewide through the Agricultural Innovation Grant Program, including four projects in Erie County totaling $288,170. Fairview Evergreen Nurseries in Bizzarro’s legislative district, will use its grant to acquire a drone-based sprayer designed to improve precision.
The complete list of Erie County grants recipients included:
- INTAG Systems $129,800: A vermiculture reactor that will process organic waste using worm-composting in an indoor, continuous system.
- Mazza Vineyards $129,797: An enhanced filtering system for processing grapes.
- Fairview Evergreen Nurseries $18,073: Drone-based sprayer system
- Willow Grove Heritage Lab $10,500: Planning for technology integration in advanced farm services.
A complete statewide list of projects approved for funding can be found here. This grant program reimburses expenses for projects that have a regional impact and can improve efficiency, generate energy and reduce waste, and/or support crops that store carbon or replace renewable resources.
Today’s announcement continues Bizzarro’s track record of pursuing needed funding for local projects through state investments. Bizzarro has helped secure more than $63 million in state funding this legislative session for projects and services that help people in the Erie region.