Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Jessica Shirley visited Savocchio Opportunity Park in Erie, where the redevelopment of a former industrial site is supporting the local economy, expanding access to fresh produce, and creating workforce opportunities.

The Grow Erie indoor farm is transforming the previously underutilized property into a community resource with support from multiple organizations.

“I think it shows what can happen when community partners, government, local leaders come together and have a vision and can dream about what a site can be,” Shirley said. “So this was a former industrial site. It was cleaned up. Now it’s redeveloped and it’s growing food that is sold here locally, sold regionally. Really, really great use of property that was previously underutilized.”

The redevelopment received partial funding through the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s Hazardous Sites Cleanup Fund for local area redevelopment authorities and nonprofits. The funding helped support the cleanup and redevelopment of the property, with a focus on protecting the environment and the surrounding community.

Shirley said the Shapiro administration has invested approximately $100 million in similar cleanup projects over the past three and a half years across the Commonwealth.

Grow Erie uses indoor growing technology to produce fresh greens throughout the year, overcoming the limitations of Pennsylvania’s relatively short outdoor growing season.

The facility grows leafy greens, herbs, and microgreens, including basil, buttercrunch lettuce, pea shoots, and radish microgreens. The products are used by restaurants locally and throughout Pennsylvania.

Christopher Nguyen, CEO of INTAG Systems, said the operation combines local food production with a broader community mission.

“It’s nice to see a local farm. Not only is it local—it’s mission-based, it’s a nonprofit. It’s doing good work,” Nguyen said.

In addition to producing food, the facility provides workforce opportunities for area residents, helping support the local economy.

Grow Erie produce is also expected to reach Giant Eagle stores soon, with products carrying the Grow Erie label.

Looking ahead, INTAG Systems officials said they see potential for the operation to expand across the 20-acre property, creating additional jobs and further supporting the surrounding community.