Submitted Article
Rep. Jonathan Fritz (Susquehanna/Wayne) announced today the PA Agricultural Business Development Center has boosted funding by $200,000 to meet demand for Farm Vitality Planning Grants.
The grants fund strategic business planning to expand, diversify or transition ownership of farms to the next generation.
“Farms encompass such a large part of our district, and we have them to thank for the food on our tables,” said Fritz. “I encourage every farmer that is eligible to apply for this program.”
The Farm Vitality Planning Grant Program helps fund professional services for those planning for the future of a farm. The program enhances the long-term vitality of Pennsylvania’s farms through sound business planning, efficient transitions of farm ownership, strategic farm expansion, diversification of agricultural production, and building a team of financial and technical expertise as a resource for Pennsylvania’s farmers.
The program, initiated as part of the historic PA Farm Bill in 2019, has accepted 308 applications to date, funding more than $2 million in project planning, financial and technical expertise to feed farm growth and sustainability.
Farm Vitality Planning Grants can be combined with other PA Farm Bill funding, including the Beginning Farmer Tax Credit Program, Beginning Farmer Realty Transfer Tax Exemptions and Next Generation Farmer Loan Program.
Applications for Farm Vitality Planning Grants will be accepted until funds are exhausted. Apply online through the Department of Community and Economic Development’s single electronic application.