Harrisburg University in Pennsylvania has announced a $1 million gift from The GIANT Company in support of the university’s Center for Advanced Agriculture and Sustainability.

Part of the Harrisburg University of Science and Technology, the 23,000-square-foot center will focus on sustainability and localized sourcing through high tech food and agriculture. The gift from the grocery store chain will help the center bring together an international network of engineers, scientists, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders to bring new applied research programs and agricultural technologies to Pennsylvania.

“Agriculture finds itself at the intersection of the most important issues of our time—food security, health and human development, environmental stewardship, commerce, and importantly, the quality of life in our communities,” said Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding. “The GIANT Company’s commitment to Harrisburg University’s Center for Advance Agriculture and Sustainability is strengthening our agriculture and food system, and in return, benefiting both Pennsylvania farmers and consumers.”

(Photo credit: Getty Images/evandrorigon)