$300,000 Available to Promote Agriculture Sales, Export Markets

On July 7, Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding called for proposals for projects designed to increase consumer awareness of Pennsylvania agriculture products and increase sales and exports. The department will award up to $303,000 in matching funds to PA nonprofits to reimburse up to 50 percent of costs for promotional and educational projects.

Prioritization will be given to projects that improve food security in the commonwealth by improving access to nutritious food.

“The strength of Pennsylvania’s agriculture industry is in its diversity – from hardwoods to honey, wine to wool – the industry is food, fuel, and fiber to sustain our everyday essentials and indulgences,” said Redding. “This program aims to find skilled, innovative marketers and educators who can tell that story to consumers here and abroad.”

Grants will be awarded to Pa. nonprofit agricultural promotion and marketing organizations. Eligible projects can promote a wide variety of Pennsylvania agricultural products grown, processed or manufactured in Pennsylvania including dairy and artisan cheese, wine, hardwoods, honey, fruit, vegetables, herbs, proteins, or fibers.

Guidelines for the Pennsylvania Agricultural Product Promotion, Education and Export Promotion Matching Grant Program can be found in 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 Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, at 4:59 p.m.

Potential applicants with questions about eligibility should contact Grants Manager Morgan Sheffield at msheffield@pa.gov.