PA agriculture receives $303K in grant funding

By Blake Jackson

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has opened applications for the Agricultural Product Promotion, Education, and Export Promotion Matching Grant Program for the fiscal year 2024–2025. With a budget of $303,000, the program supports nonprofit organizations engaged in marketing, research, and promotion of agricultural products, including hardwoods and bio-based soil amendments.

The program's key goals are to:

• Explore market opportunities for agricultural products within Pennsylvania.
• Educate producers and consumers about these opportunities.
• Promote the development of export markets, with a focus on regions such as Western Africa and the Caribbean Basin.

Eligible nonprofit organizations must demonstrate their involvement in market research, product development, or promotion of Pennsylvania agricultural products. Priority will be given to applicants experienced in international marketing.

The grants, covering up to 50% of project costs, range from $1,000 upward. Funds can be used for market research, trade shows, and promotional events but cannot be applied to permanent personnel salaries. Applicants must secure matching funds equal to the grant amount and provide proof of project completion to receive reimbursement.

Applications must be submitted electronically by December 20, 2024, and include a detailed plan and budget. Projects can begin no earlier than July 1, 2024, and must conclude by June 30, 2026.

A competitive process evaluates applications based on factors such as project innovation, relevance to agricultural promotion, and potential impact. Joint projects involving multiple organizations may receive preference.

After approval, successful applicants must sign a grant agreement outlining terms and conditions. Once the project is completed and verified, funds will be reimbursed in a single payment within 45 days.

For further details or assistance, contact Kristina Watson at the Bureau of Market Development, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, or visit the official grant website. Applications can be submitted online at https://grants.pa.gov.

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