By Blake Jackson
The Center for Plant Excellence (CPE) has opened applications for its 2025-2026 grant program, making $125,000 available to advance Pennsylvania’s plant industries.
The program will fund projects focused on research, workforce training, and innovation through this year’s request for proposals (RFP).
“This funding is designed to deliver practical, on-the-ground impact,” said Miranda Harple, interim director of the Center for Plant Excellence. “We are looking for projects that strengthen plant health, build career pipelines, and help Pennsylvania's growers and businesses remain resilient in a rapidly changing environment.”
Funding Focus Areas
The CPE board has identified four main priorities for funding:
- Workforce development and career pathways
- Addressing invasive species and plant health threats
- Enhancing business resilience and innovation
- Expanding industry visibility and consumer engagement
Funding Tracks
Applicants can apply under two tracks:
- Track A: Research for Plant Industry Advancement - Up to $30,000 per project to support research tackling critical industry challenges.
- Track B: Plant Industry Career Development - Up to $2,500 per individual or $10,000 per organization for internships, apprenticeships, and workforce training.
Eligible applicants include growers, agricultural businesses, researchers, nonprofits, educators, and students engaged in plant-focused work. Applications are due November 6, 2025.
CPE is a joint initiative of the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, created to drive growth and collaboration across the state’s plant-based sectors.
Photo Credit: istock-pyzata
Categories: Pennsylvania, General