MECHANICSBURG, PA — Pennsylvania farmers and agricultural businesses can now apply for up to $10,000 in marketing reimbursements under a new $500,000 state grant program aimed at increasing sales of locally produced goods and strengthening the agricultural economy.
What This Means for You
- Farmers and producers can receive up to $10,000 to promote local products
- Applications for the first round of funding are due Friday, May 16
- Consumers may see more locally branded products and expanded farm marketing
Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding announced the PA Preferred Marketing Grants program during a visit Monday to Oak Grove Farms, a PA Preferred farm market in Cumberland County.
The program, administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, is offering funding for promotional efforts tied to the state’s PA Preferred branding initiative, which identifies products grown or produced in Pennsylvania.
“The blue and yellow PA Preferred checkmark tells shoppers they are buying quality products and using their buying power to support Pennsylvania farmers and make our economy stronger,” Redding said.
How the Program Works
Eligible applicants may receive reimbursements of up to $10,000 for marketing and promotional costs associated with PA Preferred, PA Preferred Homegrown by Heroes, or PA Preferred Organic branding.
Applicants using the PA Preferred Organic label may qualify for an additional reimbursement of up to $10,000 for those promotions.
The grants are the first offered through the PA Preferred program since legislation signed in 2023 authorized the state to provide funding under the initiative, which was originally established in 2011.
Strengthening Local Agriculture
State officials said the program is designed to help producers expand market reach, increase visibility, and connect with consumers seeking locally sourced products.
Pennsylvania’s agricultural sector includes more than 48,800 farms, supports nearly 600,000 jobs, and contributes $132.5 billion annually to the state’s economy.
More than 1,140 PA Preferred members and 73 veteran farmers participating in the Homegrown by Heroes program currently use the branding to promote their products statewide.
Broader Investment Strategy
The grant program is part of a broader effort to support agriculture through expanded funding and new initiatives.
Recent investments include funding for the Fresh Food Financing Initiative, grants for agricultural innovation projects, and the creation of a PA Preferred Organic brand and Organic Center for Excellence to support organic farming growth.
Officials said the state is continuing to prioritize agriculture as a key component of its economic development strategy.
Where to Apply
Applications for the first round of PA Preferred Marketing Grants are available online at pa.gov/agriculture.
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