Generations of family farms in Pennsylvania have produced dairy, fruit, poultry, livestock, hardwoods, and specialty crops, supplying food and resources across the United States and around the world. Today, advances in agricultural technology are transforming that tradition and reshaping the future of farming.
The Commonwealth is at the forefront of this change. Agriculture contributes more than $132 billion annually to Pennsylvania’s economy and supports over half a million jobs. With 16.6 million acres of forest, leadership in dairy and poultry, and a thriving organic sector ranked among the best in the nation, farming here is both an economic pillar and a cultural cornerstone.
Now, AgTech is enabling farmers to achieve more with less. From precision agriculture tools that optimise yields and reduce environmental impacts, to controlled-environment agriculture that expands production of mushrooms and high-value crops, technology is driving resilience and sustainability. Robotics and automation, often pioneered in Pennsylvania’s universities, are being applied to everything from livestock management to food processing. These innovations reduce energy and water usage, cut costs, and help preserve farmland for future generations.
State investment is accelerating this shift. Programmes such as the Pennsylvania Farm Bill, which has invested $120 million since 2019, strengthen food processing infrastructure, support organic production, and attract cutting-edge AgTech businesses. The newly created Organic Centre of Excellence and Centre for Plant Excellence show the Commonwealth’s commitment to advancing sustainable and competitive farming practices.
For companies innovating in AgTech, Pennsylvania offers the perfect testbed. With direct access to major U.S. markets, a highly skilled workforce, and deep connections between farmers, researchers, and technology developers, the Commonwealth is uniquely positioned to shape the future of global agriculture.
