Pennsylvania Invests $224K to Boost Ag Markets and Tourism

By Blake Jackson

The Shapiro Administration has announced a $224,190 investment through Agriculture Promotion Grants to fund projects that aim to grow domestic and international markets for Pennsylvania agricultural products.

Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding made the announcement at Waltz Estate Winery and Family Farm, a sixth-generation business that will be spotlighted in the Pennsylvania Wine Association’s PA Wine Fall Harvest Celebration, a grant-supported initiative.

Funded through the PA Farm Bill, these grants reimburse eligible nonprofits for up to 50% of project costs. The goal is to educate consumers, expand markets for Pennsylvania-grown goods, and promote ag-based tourism across the state.

“Pennsylvania families produce the quality food and drinks that bring families around the world to the table, and not only that, the table and the fine hardwood it’s made of,” said Secretary Redding.

“Pennsylvania’s wine industry has grown from William Penn’s vines in colonial Philadelphia into the nation’s fourth-ranking wine producer. And from its beginning as Penn’s Woods, we have grown to be the nation’s number one hardwood exporter, driven by the excellence of family-run businesses.”

Pennsylvania’s wine and grape sector supports 10,756 jobs and contributes $1.77 billion to the state economy. With over 400 licensed wineries, the industry also generates $747 million annually in tourism revenue.

“The Pennsylvania Wine Association is honored to receive this Agriculture Promotion Grant in support of the PA Wines Harvest Celebration,” Pennsylvania Wine Association Vice President Zach Waltz.

“This funding empowers us to showcase the incredible quality, diversity, and heritage of Pennsylvania-grown wines, and celebrate the hardworking growers and winemakers who are driving our industry forward."

“As one of the top wine-producing states in the nation, Pennsylvania’s deep agricultural roots play a crucial role for the more than 400 wineries that call PA home,” said Pennsylvania Tourism Office Executive Director Kaitie Burger.

Governor Shapiro’s 2025-26 budget includes further investments such as $13 million for Ag Innovation Grants, $8 million to support local food access, and $13.5 million to sustain programs under the PA Farm Bill.

Grant recipients include groups promoting hardwood, beef, sustainable forestry, and agricultural education.

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Photo Credit: pixabay-vinotecarium