Pennsylvania Offers Grants for Innovative Projects to Boost Agricultural Sales and Exports

Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture,

PENNSYLVANIA — Pennsylvania’s Agriculture Secretary, Russell Redding, is calling on non-profit agricultural organizations to submit proposals aimed at expanding both domestic and international sales of the state’s agricultural products. The grant program in place offers up to $303,000 in funding, reimbursing 50% of costs for educational projects that increase consumer awareness and promote sales and exports. Priority will be given to those projects which focus on promoting hardwoods, dairy, fruits, and vegetables, as well as supporting agritourism and farm markets. All grant applications must be submitted by 5:00 pm on Friday, July 14th, 2023.

“Pennsylvania food, fiber, and hardwood products are second to none,” Secretary Redding said. “The Shapiro Administration is seeking innovative marketers and educators who can help tell Pennsylvania Agriculture’s story to consumers at home and around the world. These grants help Pennsylvania businesses connect with consumers, support the more than 593,000 Pennsylvanians whose jobs depend on them, and continue to feed our families and our economy.”

Grants will be awarded to PA nonprofit agricultural promotion and marketing organizations for projects ranging from festivals and tourism events, to regional buy-local campaigns and statewide promotions of PA products.

Priority consideration will be given to projects that:

  • promote PA Preferred® hardwoods, dairy products, fruit and vegetables;
  • promote agritourism, Farmers Market Nutrition Programs and farm markets;
  • expand or create export markets;
  • increase food security and decrease food waste; and
  • leverage additional private or federal funds.

Complete guidelines for the Pennsylvania Agricultural Product Promotion, Education and Export Promotion Matching Grant Program are in the May 20 issue of the Pennsylvania Bulletin.

Grant applications must be submitted online through the PA Department of Community and Economic Development Electronic Single Application. Applications are due by at 5:00 PM on Friday, July 14, 2023.

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