Pennsylvania Opens $10M Agricultural Innovation Grants in 2026

By Blake Jackson

During the 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show, Governor Josh Shapiro and Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding announced that applications will open February 2, 2026, for a second $10 million round of the state’s Agricultural Innovation Grant Program.

This initiative builds on the success of the program’s inaugural round, which is already funding 88 projects across 45 counties. These projects support farmers in adopting new technologies, expanding production, protecting soil and water, improving energy efficiency, and generating renewable energy.

"In my Administration, we know that economic growth and opportunity run right through our farmlands - which is why we’ve put agriculture at the center of our economic development strategy and backed it up with real investments,” said Governor Shapiro.

“By launching a second $10 million round of the nation’s first Agricultural Innovation Grant Program, we’re continuing to help farmers and ag businesses adopt new technologies, strengthen their operations, and compete for the future. These grants put innovation into action - increasing productivity, supporting jobs, and strengthening communities across the Commonwealth.”

Pennsylvania’s agriculture sector includes nearly 50,000 farms, over 600,000 jobs, and contributes $132.5 billion annually to the state economy. “Our farmers were the nation’s original innovators," Secretary Redding said.

"Under Governor Shapiro’s leadership, Pennsylvania is investing in the tools and technologies farmers need to meet today’s challenges and lead tomorrow’s solutions ensuring our agriculture industry continues to feed progress for generations to come.”

Last year, grants funded projects such as a $550,000 investment at Metzler Forest Products to expand biochar production and improve energy efficiency, and a $200,000 grant for Sterman Masser to purchase a state-of-the-art potato planter, increasing planted acreage and reducing fuel use.

Grant guidelines will be available in the Pennsylvania Bulletin and online at pa.gov/aginnovation starting January 24, 2026. Applications open February 2 and close April 18, 2026.

This program complements other state investments, including funding for the Pennsylvania Farm Bill, food security initiatives, conservation programs, organic agriculture, and poultry and livestock health projects.

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