PA Dept. of Agriculture announces grants for ag education, workforce development, more
During the virtual 2021 Pennsylvania Farm Show, Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding announced the availability of more than $900,000 in funding available for programs and projects related to agriculture in Pennsylvania.
Secretary Redding announced that $500,000 would be available through the Pennsylvania Farm Bill’s Ag and Youth Grant Program to fund projects such as ag education and workforce development programs, seminars and field trips, agricultural safety training, capital projects, or equipment purchases that will help build a strong future workforce for Pennsylvania’s leading industry.
“We predict a shortfall in the agriculture workforce in the coming years as older farmers retire and new, more technological jobs are created,” Redding said. “The remedy is education and awareness. By sparking early interest in agriculture through hands-on programs, we cultivate future industry leaders. Agriculture offers a variety of satisfying, family-sustaining jobs. These grants will expose youth to all that agriculture has to offer and will lead to a strong ag workforce for tomorrow.”
Under this program, a total of $500,000 is available for two grant types:
- Direct, non-matching reimbursement grants of up to $7,500 to defray costs of an eligible project other than a capital project; and,
- Matching reimbursement grants of up to $25,000 to defray the costs of an eligible capital project or equipment purchase, where the grant covers no more than 50 percent of the project cost.
Those interested in the Ag and Youth Grant Program can find a link to apply and more information at agriculture.pa.gov/pafarmbill. The application link will become available January 25 and will be accepted through March 5 at 5:00 PM.
In addition, Redding invited proposals for $460,000 in funding through the state’s Specialty Crop Block Grants created under the PA Farm Bill in 2019 and renewed for the 2021-22 Fiscal Year. Eligible projects will enhance the competitive position and stimulate market growth for crops designated as high priority because of their growth potential and importance for environmental sustainability. Conservation cover crops were added to the list of eligible crops for the program’s second year.
See the full press release on ag and youth education programs here and the press release on the Specialty Crop Block Grants here.
