Governor Shapiro Stands With Pennsylvania Hardwoods Companies in Mifflin County to Highlight Commonwealth’s Investments in Agriculture Industry

Governor Shapiro’s first-in-the-nation Agricultural Innovation Grants supported 88 cutting-edge solutions in 45 counties this year, ensuring Pennsylvania’s ag sector can continue to grow with the latest technology.

The Governor and Agriculture Secretary Redding visited Metzler Forest Products to highlight how grant funds are driving industry growth, as Pennsylvania leads the nation in lumber production and exports — making strong international relationships essential to the industry's future. 

The Shapiro Administration’s ag innovation investments come as new federal tariff policies create significant challenges for Pennsylvania’s agricultural industry — particularly in trade with key partners like Canada and Mexico — by imposing a tax that increases costs and creates uncertainty for farmers, businesses, and consumers.

On April 1st, Governor Josh Shapiro and Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding visited Metzler Forest Products in Mifflin County to highlight how strategic Commonwealth investments — like the Shapiro Administration’s first-in-the-nation Agricultural Innovation Grant Program — are strengthening Pennsylvania’s agriculture industry, creating jobs, and driving economic growth. These investments provide grants, loans, and technical support to farmers and businesses adopting cutting-edge technologies, spurring growth, improving efficiency, and ensuring Pennsylvania remains at the forefront of the industry. During the visit, the Governor and Secretary Redding toured the facility to see how Metzler will use its $550,000 in grant funding — announced in January — to enhance biochar production, improve energy efficiency, and expand its manufacturing capabilities. 

Governor Shapiro’s visit comes amid growing economic uncertainty over new federal tariffs, particularly impacting Pennsylvania’s nation-leading hardwoods industry, which plays a critical role in the Commonwealth’s agriculture and manufacturing sectors. Since taking office, the Governor has placed significant emphasis on supporting and growing Pennsylvania’s agriculture industry — bringing Democrats and Republicans together to invest in new technologies, strengthen supply chains, and drive economic growth for farmers and producers. He remains committed to ensuring Pennsylvania’s farmers have the freedom to chart their own course and the opportunity to succeed. The Commonwealth is home to 50,000 farms, contributing $132 billion to the economy and supporting nearly 600,000 jobs.

"From day one, my Administration has stood up for Pennsylvania’s farmers and our ag sector — investing in innovation, expanding opportunity, and cutting costs. While the federal government imposes policies that hurt our economy, Pennsylvania is leading the way in driving economic growth — investing in agricultural innovation, supporting our manufacturers, and delivering real results for farmers and their families," said Governor Shapiro. “Tariffs are taxes, plain and simple. They make it harder for our farmers to do business, weaken their competitiveness in key markets, and trigger retaliatory tariffs on Pennsylvania goods. The last thing Pennsylvanians need is Washington, D.C., raising taxes and driving up costs I will keep working to cut costs, lower taxes, and create more economic opportunity for all Pennsylvanians."

Investing in Agricultural Innovation and Pennsylvania’s Hardwoods Industry

With nearly 17 million acres of forestland, Pennsylvania boasts the most abundant hardwood forests in the United States, contributing $21.8 billion in direct and $39.1 billion in indirect economic impact. The industry supports over 60,000 Pennsylvanians — 10 percent of the state’s manufacturing workforce.

Founded in 1986, Metzler is a leader in Pennsylvania’s forest products industry, employing over 75 full-time workers and specializing in timber harvesting, land clearing, chipping, grinding, and landscaping supplies. The company exemplifies innovation in agriculture and forestry, offering products from wood chips to biochar. As one of the few U.S. producers of biochar — created by heating organic material in a low-oxygen environment — Metzler is driving sustainable solutions that improve soil health, boost crop yields, and reduce carbon emissions, making it a valuable resource for farmers. 

"We are grateful to Governor Shapiro, his Administration, and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture for investing in our state's agricultural and forest products industry,” said Nate Metzler, General Manager of Metzler Forest Products. “This funding will enable us to make large-scale capacity upgrades to our biochar production facility and expand into new product lines. By strengthening the market for low-grade forest resources, this investment supports Pennsylvania’s forestry sector while allowing us to innovate and lead the way in biochar production — delivering real benefits to farmers across the state."

Last year, the Shapiro Administration launched the Agricultural Innovation Grant Program — delivering $10 million to fund critical projects that modernize Pennsylvania’s farms and agricultural businesses. In its first application period, the program received 159 applications requesting nearly $70 million in funding. This year, Governor Shapiro’s 2025-26 budget proposal invests an additional $13 million to attract new agricultural businesses and cement Pennsylvania’s place as a national leader in agricultural innovation.

"Penn’s Woods is not just a part of our history — it’s an integral part of our future. Leading the nation in forestry and agriculture requires strong partnerships, thoughtful investments, and unwavering confidence in the industry. Leading in global exports takes that and more," said Secretary Redding. "Under the Governor’s leadership, Pennsylvania is working hand-in-hand with industry leaders to meet their needs and drive progress toward a sustainable and prosperous future."

Since its launch, the Agricultural Innovation Grant Program has provided $2 million in targeted funding for hardwoods projects, including:

• Bingaman & Son Lumber ($122,689) – expanding kiln drying technology to improve lumber efficiency.

• C&C Smith Lumber Co. ($100,000) – implementing a scan and crosscut system.

• Emporium Hardwoods ($130,000) – using AI-based trim optimization technology.

• Forcey Lumber Co. ($75,000) – upgrading hardwood processing equipment.

• Wheeland Lumber Co. ($100,000) – deploying AI-based grading technology.

• Bradford Forest ($130,000) – modernizing kilns for wood product manufacturing.

• NDS Design ($300,000) – revitalizing U.S. wood manufacturing.

• Woodland Biomass Innovations ($50,000) – planning a biomass-to-fuel facility.

• A.M. Logging ($500,000) – advancing hardwood processing.

Joined by industry leaders from Forcey Lumber and Veneer Company, Bingaman & Son Lumber, Gilson Snow, Pennsylvania Forest Products Association, and the Keystone Wood Products Association, Governor Shapiro and Secretary Redding discussed how the Governor’s Economic Development Strategy and 2025-26 proposed budget supports industry growth by making Pennsylvania more competitive for business, securing strategic investments in key sectors of the Commonwealth’s economy, and implementing transformative changes to the permitting, licensing, and certification processes to ensure Pennsylvania moves at the speed of business.

"As the operator of three hardwood sawmills and two concentration yards across the Commonwealth, Bingaman & Son Lumber is pleased with this administration’s commitment to innovation in the wood products industry through the Ag Innovation Grant Program,” said Scott Hurst, President of Bingaman & Son Lumber. “Improving our processes helps us compete globally against wood substitutes, which have a significantly greater carbon impact."  

“Farming has always been vitally important to our county and its citizens. In these challenging and uncertain times, it is great to know that we have a governor like Josh Shapiro who is willing to partner with businesses and provide grants that foster economic growth while supporting environmental sustainability," said Kevin Kodish, Mifflin County Commissioner. "Governor Shapiro has worked tirelessly to create an environment where state and local governments, and businesses, are working cooperatively and creatively to enhance our great Commonwealth. On April 1st’s grant represents a big contribution to Pennsylvania’s Ag Economy. On behalf of my fellow commissioners, thank you, Governor Shapiro, for your enthusiastic support of this Metzler Forest Products initiative." 

“The Pennsylvania Agricultural Innovation Grant Program enhances the vitality of KWPA member companies: A.M. Logging, Bingaman and Son Lumber, Forcey Lumber, Metzler Forest Products, and Woodland Biomass Innovations. These successes are all possible because of the diligence and determination of the forest product companies, backed by the Shapiro Administration’s commitment to innovation,” said Stephanie Phillips-Taggart, Executive Director of the Keystone Wood Products Association. “With such support, the Pennsylvania forest products industry will remain a national leader in the production of hardwood and exports well into the future.”

“At GILSON, we are deeply focused on American innovation, and we are committed to strengthening our American workforce. I am grateful that we get to work at the intersection of emerging manufacturing technology and a thriving hardwoods industry here in Pennsylvania," said Nick Gilson, Founder and CEO of Gilson Snow. "I am also grateful for the continued support of the Shapiro Administration as we look to grow and strengthen American jobs and the Pennsylvania economy.”

Standing Up For Farmers and Agricultural Businesses Against Federal Tariffs   

New federal tariff policies pose significant challenges to Pennsylvania’s agricultural industry, particularly in trade with key partners like Canada and Mexico. In 2024, Pennsylvania exported $2.06 billion in agricultural products to Canada — including $135.7 million in forest products — and $220.4 million in agricultural goods to Mexico, with $17.2 million in forest products.

By imposing tariffs and creating uncertainty, the federal government is essentially placing a tax on Pennsylvania farmers, businesses, and consumers. These tariffs not only raise costs but also restrict access to critical markets, threatening the long-term success of industries like forest products that are vital to Pennsylvania’s economy.

While Governor Shapiro is investing in Pennsylvania agriculture and cutting costs for businesses, the federal tariff policies are doing the opposite — raising prices, creating uncertainty, and making it harder for Pennsylvania businesses to compete. The Governor will continue to take action to protect vital markets for our farmers and support the work they do. Last week, the Governor directed Secretary Redding to immediately challenge the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s abrupt and irrational decision to cancel Pennsylvania’s $13 million contract for the Local Food Purchasing Assistance (LFPA) Program — which supports 189 Pennsylvania farms and 14 food banks across the Commonwealth. 

Governor Shapiro’s Record of Delivering for Agriculture

Since taking office, Governor Shapiro has delivered strategic investments to support Pennsylvania's agricultural sector:

• Farmland Preservation: Continued Pennsylvania’s national leadership in farmland preservation to protect agricultural land for future generations, preserving 333 farms and over 27,500 acres.

• Hi-Path Avian Influenza Mitigation: Secured over $60 million to support poultry farmers recovering from outbreaks, including testing and loss reimbursements, and developed an aggressive and proactive surveillance testing system for poultry and dairy to help reduce the spread of the disease.

• Organic Farming: Established the Organic Center of Excellence with $1 million in funding to empower organic farmers and businesses and signed legislation creating a?PA Preferred?Organic brand.

• Fresh Food Financing Initiative: Invested $2 million to improve access to locally grown food, contributing to better health outcomes and supporting local economies.

• Animal Health: Launched a state-of-the-art animal health laboratory in western Pennsylvania to enhance biosecurity and provide rapid responses to disease outbreaks.

• PA Farm Bill: Fully funded the Pennsylvania Farm Bill with $13.8 million for the sixth consecutive year.

Governor Shapiro has also championed sustainable farming practices that balance economic growth with environmental stewardship:

• Supported the adoption of conservation techniques to protect soil, water, and air quality.

• Promoted practices to reduce nutrient runoff and improve water quality, particularly in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

• Expanded programs to help farmers implement precision agriculture and renewable energy solutions on their farms.

To ensure Pennsylvania remains a national leader in agriculture, Governor Shapiro’s 2025-26 budget proposals include increased funding for agricultural innovation, along with:

• Investing $2 million to sustain Pennsylvania’s new animal testing laboratory in the western part of the state, providing critical services to help farmers maintain healthy livestock.

• An additional $4 million to expand the Pennsylvania Agricultural Surplus System, connecting Pennsylvanians at risk of hunger with healthy, locally produced food.

• A $4 million increase for the State Food Purchase Program, which provides emergency food assistance to low-income Pennsylvanians.

Governor Shapiro’s leadership is ensuring Pennsylvania remains a national leader in agriculture — supporting our farmers, growing rural economies, and strengthening the food supply chain for generations to come. These investments are critical to the future of Pennsylvania agriculture, and the Governor is helping to build a more resilient agricultural economy, safeguard the food supply, and secure a prosperous future for Pennsylvania’s farming communities.

Learn more about the commonsense investments to in Governor Shapiro’s 2025-26 budget proposal at shapirobudget.pa.gov and how the Shapiro Administration is supporting Pennsylvania’s farmers.