Folkland Foods Expansion to Drive Local Employment and Position Pennsylvania as a National Leader in Organic Potato Products
In a major step forward for Pennsylvania’s agricultural sector, Governor Josh Shapiro announced a $3 million investment in Folkland Foods, an Erie County start-up specializing in organic potato products. Through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP), this funding will support Folkland Foods, an initiative of the family-owned Troyer, Inc., to expand its operations, convert more farmland to organic practices, and develop a range of minimally processed potato products. With this expansion, Folkland Foods is expected to create up to 50 local jobs over the next three years, strengthening the regional economy and bolstering Pennsylvania’s agricultural leadership.
At the announcement event, held at the company’s Waterford facility, Governor Shapiro highlighted Folkland’s role in sustainable agricultural growth. “This $3 million investment is a testament to the hard work and dedication of Folkland Foods,” he said, adding that the company’s commitment to sustainable, organic farming will reinforce Pennsylvania’s standing as a national leader in agriculture and job creation. “My administration is committed to making targeted investments like this to support our farmers, build rural economies, and keep Pennsylvania at the forefront of agricultural innovation.”
The RACP funding will support several key construction projects, including an 8,100-square-foot expansion to accommodate manufacturing equipment, a 3,600-square-foot freezer warehouse, and a 16,000-square-foot facility for raw potato storage. Additionally, a new wastewater treatment system will be implemented to manage production waste sustainably, along with essential infrastructure improvements like driveways and parking.
Founded by the Troyer family, who also established the Troyer Farms Potato Chip Company in 1967, Folkland Foods aims to bring its organic vision to fruition with minimally processed potato products. According to co-founder Zack Troyer, the expansion will allow the company to honor its legacy while innovating in organic food production. “Our vision is simple: grow organic potatoes, make French fries,” said Troyer. “With support from Governor Shapiro, we’re taking a significant step forward to create meaningful, sustainable jobs and establish Pennsylvania as a leader in organic, regenerative agriculture.”
The expanded facility will produce an array of organic potato products, beginning with organic farm fries in three flavors and eventually adding potato puffs, sweet potato items, and other minimally processed options. This approach emphasizes transparency, using simple ingredients found in home kitchens and eliminating conventional pesticides. Folkland Foods also plans to engage local farmers, sharing its methods and best practices to encourage wider organic adoption throughout the region.
Brian Garlick, Chief Operating Officer of Folkland Foods, praised the company’s commitment to transparency and quality. “We aim to provide products with minimal ingredients, so consumers know exactly what they’re getting,” he said, reflecting on the dedication he has seen from the third generation of the Troyer family. “Their commitment to community, family, and employees drives everything we do.”
The expansion’s anticipated economic impact extends beyond job creation to include benefits for the regional agriculture and supply sectors. By sourcing materials locally, Folkland Foods will support Pennsylvania’s broader agricultural and food industries. The project aligns with Governor Shapiro’s broader economic development strategy, a statewide initiative focusing on agriculture, energy, life sciences, and technology to fuel Pennsylvania’s economy.
Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding praised Folkland Foods’ role in Pennsylvania’s agricultural innovation, noting that the project aligns with the state’s PA Preferred Organic™ and the Organic Center of Excellence initiatives. “This investment meets a growing consumer demand for organic products,” said Redding, “while supporting Governor Shapiro’s broader goals for agricultural growth and sustainability.”
With construction underway, Folkland Foods is expected to begin processing potatoes for retail sale early next year. This investment, along with the recent establishment of a $10 million Agricultural Innovation Grant Program, signals a renewed focus on making Pennsylvania a leader in sustainable, innovation-driven agriculture.
