Results
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
10/21/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/21/2026 13:41
Shapiro Administration Invests $290,000 to Open New Markets for Farmers and Increase Sales and Exports of Pennsylvania Agricultural Products
October 21, 2026 - Gardners, PA
Shapiro Administration Invests $290,000 to Open New Markets for Farmers and Increase Sales and Exports of Pennsylvania Agricultural Products
Today, the Shapiro Administration announced an investment of $291,447 in Agriculture Promotion Grants to support projects aimed at increasing domestic sales and exports of Pennsylvania agricultural products. Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding made the announcement at Big Hill Ciderworks, a farmer-owned cidery and taproom in Adams County, and highlighted how a $13,022 grant they received in 2026 has helped them build brand awareness and promote the cider industry in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania touts more than 35 cideries representing all corners of the Commonwealth, and the hard cider industry brings 146 jobs and $33.6 million of total economic impact.
"Pennsylvania agriculture is built on the hard work and ingenuity of our farmers and the organizations that help connect consumers with their products," Sec. Redding said. "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. We're investing in the partnerships that help our farm businesses grow and keep our agricultural economy strong."
Sec. Redding also announced that the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is now accepting applications for the next round of the program Eligible Pennsylvania nonprofit agricultural product and marketing organizations are encouraged to apply for the latest round funded at $393,363 in the 2026-27 state budget now through December 15, 2026. The grants reimburse nonprofits up to 50% of costs for projects educating consumers, promoting specific agriculture sectors, growing the consumers base for Pennsylvania products, or promoting regional agriculture-based tourism.
Speaker
Troy Lehman, co-owner of Big Hill Ciderworks
Ben Wenk, owner Ploughman Farm Cider and former president of the PA Cider Guild
Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania published this content on October 21, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on October 21, 2026 at 19:41 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]