The PennZone

McAdoo, PA ~ Today, Governor Josh Shapiro and Little Leaf Farms announced the grand opening of the Commonwealth's largest indoor-grown leafy greens production facility in McAdoo this fall. The expansion of Little Leaf Farms, which produces packaged lettuce sustainably grown through controlled environment agriculture, will grow its presence in Carbon County and open its second facility in Pennsylvania.

The additional capacity of 10 acres in its expansion will allow Little Leaf Farms to increase its retail presence to nearly 5,000 grocery stores, making its fresh greens available at most major retailers from the Midwest to the Southeast, and employ nearly 170 Pennsylvania workers by the end of 2023. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has supported this growth with $3.5 million in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grants.

Governor Shapiro expressed his enthusiasm for the project: "Pennsylvania has a proud agricultural heritage, and our agriculture sector is a key driver of our economy, contributing over $132 billion to our economy and supporting nearly 600,000 jobs. I want to plant a flag and show the rest of the country that Pennsylvania is a leader in agriculture, job creation, and innovation – and Little Leaf Farms' investment in our Commonwealth is proof that the future is being grown right here in Carbon County. Pennsylvania is open for business and my Administration will continue to support our farmers, scientists, and entrepreneurs who want to grow and thrive here in the Commonwealth."

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The new production facility will house state-of-the-art technology and efficiencies including advanced heating, cooling, and lighting systems as well as an automated grow system meaning that leafy greens are untouched from seed to packaging without requiring washing. Little Leaf Farms' lettuce is farmed 365 days a year with daily harvesting delivered from greenhouse to grocery store within 24 hours.

Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding commented on how this project reflects on modern agriculture: "What we see in facilities like Little Leaf Farms is that agriculture is no longer confined to wide-open spaces. With emerging technologies we can grow food anywhere making it available to communities who might otherwise find themselves in food deserts."

Paul Sellew Founder & CEO of Little Leaf Farms expressed his appreciation for Pennsylvania's support: "Pennsylvania has been an excellent partner in bringing our vision for expansion to life. With its ideal location on the East Coast we've been able to grow significantly to the Southeast and are now looking forward to even more growth in the Midwest."

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Governor Shapiro's budget proposal includes investments such as $13.8 million fully funding the Pennsylvania Farm Bill for fifth year; $12 million increase for Pennsylvania First Program; $1 million creating a new Organic Center of Excellence; $500 thousand creating a Center for Plant Excellence; all aiming at increasing funding attracting businesses into Pennsylvania while growing organic market sector within state borders.

In conclusion Governor Shapiro stated: "My Administration will continue to support our farmers scientists & entrepreneurs who want to grow & thrive here in the Commonwealth."

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