GARDNERS, PA — Pennsylvania is directing $291,447 to eight agricultural marketing organizations to increase domestic sales and exports of state-produced goods, while opening applications for another $393,363 in grants aimed at expanding markets for farmers and food producers.
Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding detailed the awards Wednesday, October 21, at Big Hill Ciderworks in Adams County, where the state highlighted investments in agricultural marketing, consumer outreach and industry development.
The Agriculture Promotion Grant Program reimburses eligible nonprofit organizations for up to 50% of project costs involving consumer education, agricultural marketing, market development and regional farm tourism.
The latest awards range from $3,685 to $75,000 and support initiatives involving potatoes, beef, cider, forestry, agricultural education and direct-to-consumer sales.
Farm to Table Buy Local received the largest award, $75,000, to promote western Pennsylvania farms and community gardens to retail and wholesale buyers through advertising, events, and digital marketing.
Pennsylvania Cooperative Potato Growers received $59,500 for a two-year initiative to increase demand for Pennsylvania-grown potatoes under the PA Preferred brand. The project includes trade shows, farmers markets, consumer outreach, and agricultural education.
The Pennsylvania Beef Council was awarded $49,990 to expand its PA Beef to Schools program, while the Pennsylvania Friends of Agriculture Foundation received $47,000 for four agricultural education initiatives.
The Pennsylvania Agriculture Discovery Center received $25,000 for a marketing campaign supporting its planned facility and related capital fundraising.
The Northern Tier Hardwood Association secured $18,250 to develop a forest industry simulator designed to introduce students to forestry occupations and prepare prospective workers.
The Pennsylvania Cider Guild received $13,022 for branding, consumer events and year-round marketing intended to increase demand for cider produced in the state.
Greenforge received $3,685 to connect newer and veteran farmers with experienced direct marketers, focusing on market development, promotion and pricing.
“These grants help agricultural organizations reach new markets, strengthen their brands, and create more opportunities for Pennsylvania-grown products here at home and around the world,” Redding said.
The cider industry provided a regional example of the program’s intended economic impact.
Pennsylvania has more than 35 cideries, with the hard cider industry supporting 146 jobs and generating an estimated $33.6 million in total economic activity, according to the Department of Agriculture.
Big Hill Ciderworks, founded in 2013, operates two farms near Gettysburg, cultivating more than 40 apple varieties across approximately 40 acres. The business handles apple growing, pressing, fermentation, packaging and distribution.
The cidery belongs to the Pennsylvania Cider Guild, whose grant supports marketing and outreach on behalf of cider producers and apple growers.
Ben Wenk, a former guild president associated with Adams County-based Ploughman Farm Cider, said the funding would help connect consumers with Pennsylvania-grown apples and cider producers.
“By strengthening our brand and expanding outreach, we can grow demand for Pennsylvania cider and support cideries and apple growers across the Commonwealth,” Wenk said.
The state is accepting applications for the next round of Agriculture Promotion Matching Grants through December 15, 2026.
The program has $393,363 available under the 2026-27 state budget. Eligible applicants include Pennsylvania nonprofit agricultural product and marketing organizations.
The awards follow the administration’s release of Pennsylvania’s first 10-year Strategic Plan for Agriculture, which identifies access to capital, profitability, modernization and public engagement as priorities.
Pennsylvania’s agricultural sector includes more than 48,800 farms and contributes more than $153.2 billion annually to the state’s economy while supporting nearly 600,000 jobs, according to the administration.
The 2026-27 budget maintains $10 million for the Agricultural Innovation Grant Program and $13.8 million for Pennsylvania Farm Bill initiatives.
It also increases the potential financing limit for capital development projects under the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority program from $200,000 to $2 million.
The state’s broader agricultural investments include support for business development, workforce programs, farmland preservation and animal diagnostic laboratories.
Pennsylvania has preserved 6,781 farms covering 671,082 acres across 58 counties through its farmland preservation program.
Agriculture Promotion Matching Grant guidelines and application information are available at agriculture.pa.gov and in the October 17, 2026, edition of the Pennsylvania Bulletin.
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