The Advance: Strengthening Regional Food Economies to Capture In-State Value
FEATURE
Food Processing in Pennsylvania: Strengthening Regional Food Economies to Capture In-State Value
Pennsylvania has long been a leader in agricultural production. The question is whether we are capturing the full economic value of that strength here in the commonwealth.
Recent analysis suggests that in several key sectors, expanding processing and broader middle-of-the-supply-chain infrastructure—aggregation, transformation, and distribution—would enable Pennsylvania to retain more of the value it already produces.
Team Pennsylvania is exploring the role of food processing within this “missing middle” as essential economic infrastructure, and whether these gaps may be limiting in-state growth. This primer outlines both the challenges and opportunities ahead.
We are particularly interested in identifying demand-driven solutions and engaging value chain stakeholders who see this opportunity from different vantage points. If this resonates with your work, connect with us at agriculture@teampa.com.
SITE VISITS
Beaver Valley Power Station
Team Pennsylvania recently visited the Beaver Valley Power Station with Vistra Corp. to see firsthand how nuclear energy powers Pennsylvania’s economy. Facilities like Beaver Valley demonstrate the scale, workforce, and safety culture required to deliver reliable energy for millions of homes — and why nuclear energy remains a critical asset for the Commonwealth
. . . READ ON
Penn State Nuclear Reactor
Team Pennsylvania recently spent time at Penn State exploring the university’s nuclear ecosystem. Penn State is one of the nation’s leading centers for nuclear research and education, and its work helps shape the technologies and talent pipeline that support the broader U.S. nuclear energy ecosystem . . . READ ON
Data Center Alley
Team Pennsylvania CEO Abby Smith joined a delegation from across Southwestern Pennsylvania to visit Loudoun County, Virginia — home to “Data Center Alley,” the largest concentration of data centers in the world. Seeing hyperscale infrastructure up close helps answer an important question: How can Pennsylvania compete — and do it responsibly? . . . READ ON
IN OTHER NEWS
Building Demand For Low-Carbon Concrete
The EFI Foundation’s new report, Building Demand for Low-Carbon Concrete, outlines practical demand-side strategies to accelerate the adoption of low-carbon concrete already available in the market. This report, which prominently features Pennsylvania, is a critical contribution to the growing conversation around scaling low-carbon building materials . . . READ THE REPORT
UPCOMING WEBINAR
Mass Timber: Turning Opportunity into Impact
Join us on April 29, 2026 at 11:00 AM EST for a virtual webinar, bringing together national and state experts for a focused conversation to deepen understanding of opportunities to catalyze mass timber in Pennsylvania . . . REGISTER NOW