HARRISBURG, October 7, 2008 – State Senator Jim Ferlo (D-Pittsburgh) today applauded the Commonwealth Financing Authority’s vote to fund the request of Urban Homesteaders, LLC as part of the their First Industries Agriculture Planning grant.
Urban Homesteaders, LLC will receive $94,710 to prepare architectural/engineering studies and designs and to develop a marketing plan for the Blackberry Meadows Farm Commercial Kitchen/Farmer’s Market in Fawn Township, Allegheny County in the 38th Senatorial District.
“This project will open up a whole new way to channel public dollars back into the community by expanding Blackberry Meadows Farm Commercial Kitchen and Farmer’s Market,” Ferlo said. “Because it sells directly to consumers through urban farmer’s markets and community supported agriculture programs, this a great way to boost local economy and keep our farming industry thriving.”
The funds will assist in planning activities necessary to renovate an existing barn into an on-site farm market and commercial kitchen. The commercial kitchen and farm market will process and sell products grown and/or processed by Blackberry Meadows Farm and other nearby farms. It is anticipated that three new jobs could be created through this project.
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