Pennsylvania Seeking Proposals for $200K in Grant Funds to Boost Hemp Industry

Pennsylvania officials are calling for proposals from nonprofit marketing and promotion organizations for projects aimed at increasing sales, export, or consumer awareness of the state’s hemp products. The state Agriculture Department plans to award $200,000 in matching funds to reimburse up to half of the project costs with a minimum grant of $1,000.  

Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding said the grants “will feed a new industry that was once a staple of Pennsylvania’s economy and is again presenting opportunities for farm income and jobs as well as new possibilities for climate-friendly, environmentally beneficial products.”    

“Hemp has presented a unique opportunity to grow an industry from the ground up, supplying seemingly limitless sustainable construction materials, fiber and food products.” — Redding in a press release 

The agency indicated it will give special consideration to projects that leverage other funding and public-private partnerships and that eligible projects may include regional or national promotion.  

In 2021, the Agriculture Department awarded more than $157,000 through the program to three projects to increase consumer awareness of hemp products and increase fiber and food hemp markets and opportunities in the state. In all, the state has invested $923,000 since 2019 on hemp-specific grant investments. 

Projects eligible for the current grants must have started on or after July 1, 2022, and must be completed on or before June 30, 2023. 

Qualified nonprofits may apply for grants through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development online application system. The application period closes Friday, Dec. 2, 2022, at 5:00 PM