$500,000 in PA Farm Bill Grants Up for Grabs to Transform the Next Generation in Agriculture

Agriculture Secretary Russell ReddingImage via PA Department of Agriculture

PENNSYLVANIA — PA Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding is inviting proposals for PA Farm Bill Agriculture & Youth Grants. These grants aim to empower youth with the skills needed to succeed in Pennsylvania’s agriculture industry, worth $132.5 billion. The grants seek to foster innovative thinking and prepare young individuals as problem-solvers for future challenges in the field. The Shapiro Administration is dedicated to supporting youth in pursuing their own paths and creating opportunities for them.

“To meet increasingly complex challenges tied to climate and marketplace changes, and rapidly evolving technology, Pennsylvania’s agriculture employers need innovative problem-solvers,” Secretary Redding said. “The Shapiro Administration is committed to making sure young people have the freedom to choose their own paths, and the preparation to pursue the opportunities ahead of them. These grants feed the hungry minds of those who will feed us tomorrow.”

PA Farm Bill Ag and Youth Grants provide direct funding of up to $7,500 and matching grants of up to $25,000 to support projects, programs, and equipment purchases by youth-run organizations, and those with programs that benefit youth or promote agriculture, community leadership, vocational training, and peer networking. Past funded projects include agriculture career seminars and field trips, agricultural safety training, capital projects, and equipment purchases aimed at leading students to opportunities in agriculture and building the future workforce Pennsylvania’s agriculture industry needs.

Grant applications must be submitted online through the PA Department of Community and Economic Development Electronic Single Application. Applications are due by 5:00 PM on September 29, 2023.

Full grant guidelines are published in the August 12 edition of the PA Bulletin.

Learn more about opportunities in agriculture at agriculture.pa.gov/kidsarethefuture.

Find a map of previous grant recipients and details of other PA Farm Bill grants and initiatives to grow and sustain Pennsylvania agriculture at agriculture.pa.gov/pafarmbill.

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