The Pennsylvania Peach and Nectarine Research Program provides annual funding opportunities to support research directly related to peach and nectarine production. This program is specifically designed to benefit producers within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania who grow 500 or more peach and/or nectarine trees of all ages for the purpose of sale or marketing. Funds for the program are collected from these producers and are dedicated exclusively to production research.
The primary aim of the program is to advance scientific knowledge and improve agricultural practices in peach and nectarine cultivation. Research topics supported by the program include pest management, disease control, varietal studies, tree spacing strategies, canopy management, and mechanization technologies. The intention is to fund studies that have the potential to significantly improve production efficiency and crop quality for Pennsylvania growers.
Proposals for funding are solicited annually via a Request for Proposals (RFP) issued through the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) in November. Interested applicants must submit their proposals via email to RA-AGCOMMODITIES@pa.gov during the designated application period. Proposals are then reviewed by the Pennsylvania Peach and Nectarine Research Program Board. Grant recipients are publicly announced during the Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Convention, which is typically held in late January or early February.
Grantees are required to submit biannual progress reports on the research funded through the program. Reports must include updates on deliverables and are due by April 1 and October 1 each year. A standardized progress report template is provided to facilitate consistent and thorough reporting.
For more information or specific inquiries, applicants may contact Michael Keefe at 717-307-3243 or via email at mikeefe@pa.gov. The program represents a targeted funding mechanism for supporting the agricultural sector within Pennsylvania, particularly for stakeholders in peach and nectarine production.
