Pennsylvania Agricultural Innovation Grant Program

Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).

Executive Summary:

Deadline Approaching: Apply by 11:59 PM ET on April 18, 2026 — this competitive state grant is now open and closing soon. The Pennsylvania Agricultural Innovation Grant Program offers a $10 million investment to help farmers, agricultural businesses, and innovators deploy new technologies, improve sustainability, and scale solutions that enhance production, conservation, and energy efficiency statewide. Applications must be submitted online via the Single Application for Assistance between 8 AM ET Feb 2, 2026 and 11:59 PM ET April 18, 2026.

How much funding would I receive?

Total funding available: $10 million in the 2025–26 round.

Grant types & award sizes:

• Innovation Planning Project Grant: $7,500–$50,000 (30% non-state match required)

• Onsite Project Grant: $5,000–$200,000 (50% non-state match required)

• Regional Impact Project Grant: $100,000–$2,000,000 (50% non-state match required; must benefit ≥2 eligible persons/businesses)

What could I use the funding for?

Funding reimburses project planning, implementation, and regional impact innovations in the following priority areas:

Key eligible innovation areas:

• Improve energy efficiency and water quality on farms

• Reduce water use, odors, or solid waste

• Improve production, processing, commercialization, or utilization of agricultural commodities

• Produce energy from manure, food waste, biomass

• Deploy low-carbon or no-carbon energy equipment

• Farm management technologies (e.g., diagnostics, data tools)

• Process efficiency tools (sorting, grading, etc.)

• Biosecurity and plant/animal health innovations

• Cybersecurity and data analytics solutions

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Beyond direct funding, grantees will:

• Gain credibility and visibility as part of Pennsylvania’s nation-leading innovation portfolio

• Support broader economic growth and sustainability across the Commonwealth’s agricultural sector

• Build proof points to attract follow-on investment and partners

What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?

Application window:

• Opens: 8 AM ET, February 2, 2026

• Closes: 11:59 PM ET, April 18, 2026
  Applications must be submitted online through the Single Application for Assistance system; late submissions will not be reviewed.

Funding decisions and reimbursement timelines depend on PDA’s review process and grant execution, typically following award announcements after April 2026.

Where does this funding come from?

Funding is part of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s 2025–26 budget under the Shapiro Administration, investing $10 million in the second round of the nation’s first Agricultural Innovation Grant Program to strengthen farm sustainability, technology adoption, and clean energy development.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants include:

• Individuals who grow an agricultural commodity with anticipated sales of > $2,000/year

• Individuals who process an agricultural commodity with anticipated sales of > $10,000/year

• Providers of technical services to farmers (e.g., conservation, veterinary care, engineering, farm management)

• Persons or cooperative associations that use agricultural commodities to create products or energy

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Competitive proposals will:

• Clearly align with innovation priority areas outlined above

• Demonstrate measurable impact (economic, environmental, technological)

• Include strong budgets, timelines, and success metrics

• Show scalable and practical outcomes for Pennsylvania agriculture

Projects with broad applicability (e.g., renewable energy systems, advanced processing technologies, farm-scale data tools) and those that deliver regional benefits are especially strong candidates.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Applicants must:

• Use non-state matching funds at required levels

• Submit paid receipts for reimbursement requests

• Ensure projects are located in Pennsylvania and comply with all state laws and regulations

• Only costs incurred during the contract period are eligible for reimbursement

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

Preparation time depends on project complexity:

• Simple planning projects: 1–3 weeks

• Onsite and regional projects with detailed budgets and partners: 2–6+ weeks
  You must gather narratives, budgets, metrics, match commitments, and letters of support before the April 18 deadline.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can assist by:

• Translating your innovation idea into a compelling application narrative

• Structuring budgets and measurable outcomes to meet PDA criteria

• Identifying matching fund strategies and partner letters

• Reviewing drafts for clarity, cohesion, and competitiveness

How much would BW&CO Charge?

Fractional support is $300 per hour.

For startups, we offer a discounted rate of $250 per hour to make top-tier consulting more accessible while maintaining the same level of strategic guidance and proposal quality.

Additional Resources

Review the solicitation here.