DOYLESTOWN, PA. — Delaware Valley University recently confirmed that it would receive a $2,025,000 Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Budget to support the construction of a new poultry science center on its main campus in Doylestown, Pa. 

The center expects to have modern research laboratories, classrooms and demonstration spaces that are designed to facilitate collaboration between students, faculty and industry experts. The facility will also have the capacity to produce 5,000 birds every six to eight weeks.

“We are thrilled to receive this vital funding that accelerates our ability to build a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to advancing poultry research, education and innovation,” said Benjamin Rusiloski, PhD, president of Delaware Valley. “This grant, along with the cornerstone gift from Mountaire Farms, Inc., puts us significantly closer to breaking ground for the new facility. The need for research, innovation and teaching in poultry science is critical to support the ongoing growth in the poultry industry in the United States and worldwide.”

Last July, poultry producer Mountaire Farms partnered with Delaware Valley to fund the poultry center project. 

“We are excited about the opportunity to work directly with Delaware Valley University to ensure that the poultry industry will have a well-educated and trained workforce moving forward,” said Phillip Plylar, president of Mountaire Farms in 2023.

Rusiloski also said that state Senator Steve Santarsiero and state Representative Tim Brennan were instrumental in providing the grant to the university.

“Delaware Valley University, as a leader in agricultural science education, is uniquely positioned to meet the growing need for higher education programs focused on poultry science,” Senator Santarsiero said. “The new Poultry Science Center will provide students with hands-on educational experience to successfully join this growing work force while providing continuing education to local processors and industry professionals.”