Governor Josh Shapiro Visits Waterford, Announces $3 Million Investment into Local Potato Farm and Fry Company

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro paid a visit to Erie County Wednesday afternoon, announcing a financial boost that is intending to help a local potato farm and fry company.

Shapiro was joined by Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding during the stop at Troyer, Inc. in Waterford to announce a $3 million investment into the organic farm fry company, Folkland Foods. 

The money, which is generated from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP), will be used to expand the construction of the farm's facilities and manufacturing plant. The renovations, in total, are worth nearly $7 million.

The governor says it will create 50 new local jobs within the first three years. He also mentioned how it plays a role investing into agriculture, one of the five highlighted pillars in the administration's statewide economic development strategy.

"We want to make sure the food that is showing up on people's tables across Pennsylvania, and ideally sourced from Pennsylvania Farms, is healthy," Shapiro said. "It's good for them. It's nutritious, and the best way to do that is to make sure that's locally grown. Ideally, organic."

Shapiro mentioned that farmers across Pennsylvania produce nearly $132 billion for the economy, supporting more than 580,000 jobs.