HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) — The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture says a new study found that Pennsylvania’s Wine and Grape industry now ranks fourth in the nation in production.

Previously, in 2018, Pennsylvania was ranked fifth in the study.

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The study, funded by the department’s Wine and Research Program, included data on wine and juice grape vineyards, juice processors, wine wholesale and retail sales, research and education, wineries, and wine tourism.

Specifically, this study found that our wine and grape industry supports 10,756 jobs across the state and contributes $1.77 billion to the state economy annually. Furthermore, since 2018, Pennsylvania’s grape production has grown by about 970 tons per year.

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It is also worth mentioning that the study saw that Pennsylvania’s 326 wineries generate $747 million in tourism revenue every year.

“Pennsylvania’s wine and grape industry is a tremendous asset to our economy and undeniably adds to quality of life in every region of the state,” Secretary Redding said. “The thriving industry brings visitors to our countryside and small towns, provides nutritious juice for our youngest consumers, and wines that pair with locally-grown foods on restaurant and family tables. The Shapiro Administration is proud to invest in the industry’s future and the future of families and communities who depend on it.”

According to PDA, Governor Josh Shapiro’s proposed 2024-25 budget invests over $36 million into the wine and grape industry, which includes:

$10.3 million is being invested into the agriculture sector for the purpose of innovation and the enhancement of new farm enterprises. This includes endeavors related to energy and conservation. Moreover, it will also help in shaping the future of American farming, especially in Pennsylvania.

$145,000 is being allocated to an innovative pest detection program. This program leverages dogs for the detection of pests in order to mitigate potential outbreaks, eliminating the need for costly and harmful pesticides.

$2.18 million is allocated to Agriculture Research to aid the industry in adopting and integrating emerging technologies. This funding also aims to equip the industry in dealing with challenges such as disease, pests, and climate change.

$8 million is designated for the Agriculture Conservation Assistance Program. The funds will be used to implement solutions that safeguard soil and water resources, two critical components for the longevity of our agriculture.

$2.9 million for trademark licensing for PA Preferred®, which is Pennsylvania’s official brand for locally-grown agricultural products. This money will also be used to increase consumer confidence in the quality and integrity of organic foods.

$13 million to fund the historic PA Farm Bill, which will feed progress across Pennsylvania’s $132 billion agriculture industry through the use of grants and initiatives that will build the future workforce, promote sales of PA-grown and made products, expand market opportunities, conserve resources and more.

To find out more about Pennsylvania’s wine trails, and events in your region, you can click here.

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