The Shapiro Administration has announced a $500,000 investment to help Erie-area grape growers impacted by unexpected contract cancellations while also providing food assistance to families in need across Pennsylvania.
The funding will support the emergency purchase, processing, and transportation of approximately 350 tons of grapes from 11 Erie-area growers after their buyer abruptly canceled contracts for the 2026 growing season in March.
The grapes will be processed into juice concentrate and distributed to food banks affiliated with Feeding Pennsylvania through the Pennsylvania Agricultural Surplus System (PASS).
The initiative is designed to provide immediate relief to farmers facing financial uncertainty while ensuring the harvested grapes benefit communities experiencing food insecurity.
The Shapiro Administration said the effort reflects the Commonwealth’s commitment to supporting Pennsylvania agriculture during times of crisis. Officials noted that the state is leveraging existing programs and partnerships to address the challenges facing farm businesses and prevent agricultural products from going to waste.
Governor Josh Shapiro’s administration emphasized that the emergency purchase serves a dual purpose: helping growers recover from the loss of anticipated sales and supplying nutritious products to food banks across the state.
The processed grape juice concentrate will be distributed through Feeding Pennsylvania’s network, helping provide additional food resources to families in need while creating a market for growers whose crops were left without a buyer.