Agricultural Product Promotion, Education and Export Promotion Matching Grant Program

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is administering the Agricultural Product Promotion, Education and Export Promotion Matching Grant Program for the 2025–2026 grant period. With a total funding pool of up to $381,810.50, this program is designed to support nonprofit organizations that specialize in market research, educational outreach, and the promotion of agricultural products that are grown, raised, or produced within Pennsylvania. The initiative is competitive and operates on a reimbursement basis, providing matching grants that cover up to 50% of approved project expenses. The key objectives of this grant program include strengthening the market presence of Pennsylvania-based agricultural goods, educating producers and consumers about available market opportunities, and facilitating the expansion of export markets. High-priority focus areas for the 2025–2026 cycle include outreach targeting export development in Western African and Caribbean Basin nations, increasing awareness of hardwood products like black cherry, oaks, and maples, supporting commodities under the PA Preferred and PA Preferred Organic programs, and promoting the state’s cider industry. Projects aligning with these themes are likely to receive preferential consideration during the evaluation process. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations headquartered in Pennsylvania, and whose missions involve the promotion or market development of local agricultural products. Preference is given to those with a proven track record of marketing agricultural goods internationally. Grants start at a minimum of $1,000, and funds must be strictly allocated to project-specific costs, such as attendance at trade shows, hiring consultants, or executing market research studies. Expenses related to permanent staff salaries are explicitly disallowed. The application deadline for the current cycle is 5:00 p.m. on Friday, April 10, 2026. All applications must be submitted electronically and must include a detailed project work plan and a comprehensive budget. Applicants are required to confirm that they have secured matching funds equal to the amount of the grant request. The designated project completion date must be no later than June 30, 2027, and no expenses incurred outside the official project period will be eligible for reimbursement. The evaluation process is conducted by the Bureau of Market Development and final funding decisions are made by the Secretary of Agriculture. Proposals will be assessed on several criteria including alignment with program objectives, project scope and innovation, organizational capacity, and the degree of projected impact on the visibility and marketability of Pennsylvania agricultural products. Additional consideration may be given to collaborative projects or those that publicly recognize the Department of Agriculture’s support in promotional materials. Upon project completion, grantees must submit proof of expenses and a certificate of completion within 30 days in order to receive reimbursement. Required documentation includes itemized invoices for all qualifying expenses and signed certifications from organizational leadership verifying delivery and fulfillment of project goals. Questions about the program or the application process may be directed to Karen Powell of the Bureau of Market Development at (717) 712-4545 or via email at [email protected].