Agricultural Business Development Center announces the Farm Vitality Planning Grant Program
The Agricultural Business Development Center has announced the Farm Vitality Planning Grant Program, which makes $1,000,000 available for grants to help offset planning costs for farmers. Farmers can apply for a grant until 4:59 pm on April 3, 2020. Interested applicants will be required to apply through Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Single Application for Assistance at www.esa.dced.state.pa.us.
The Farm Vitality Planning Grants can be used to offset the costs of working with consultants to develop business plans, transition/succession plans, plans for expansion and more. Grants can be used to reimburse up to 75% of out-of-pocket costs incurred for plan development, not to exceed a total of $7,500 per grant. Funds can be used to reimburse costs incurred since July 1, 2019 and costs incurred up to two years after the effective date of the grant agreement. Grants will be awarded on first-come, first-served basis for eligible projects.
Agricultural Business Development Center Farm Vitality Planning Grant Program
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for a Farm Vitality Planning Grant?
Applications must be submitted to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Single Application for Assistance online application system at: www.esa.dced.state.pa.us by 4:59 p.m. on April 3, 2020.
What projects are eligible under the Farm Vitality Planning Grant?
Grants are available for expenses related to the following eligible projects:
- Creating or obtaining business plans and management strategies to enhance the long-term economic viability of a farm
- Creating or obtaining plans for the transition of ownership and operation of a farm to new owners and operators
- Creating or obtaining plans for transfer of ownership and operation of a farm within the farmer’s family
- Creating or obtaining business plans to diversify an existing agricultural operation to new or different forms of agricultural production
- Creating or obtaining plans to maintain the long-term economic viability and protect the investment of public funds in preserving farms that are subject to perpetual agricultural conservation easements acquired under the act of June 30, 1981 (P.L. 128, No.43), known as the Agricultural Area Security Law (3 P.S. §§ 901-915.1), for agricultural production
- Creating or obtaining business plans for a farm expansion or to seek financing for farm growth
What is the maximum grant amount that may be awarded and what is required match?
Grants will be limited to 75% of project costs, not to exceed $7,500.
How will grants be awarded?
Grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis for complete applications for eligible projects until funds are no longer available. If an incomplete application is submitted, it will not be considered for funding until the required information is supplied to the Department.
What is the time frame for eligible expenses that can be reimbursed under this grant?
Expenses incurred for the completion of the project since July 1, 2019 and up to two years after the effective date of the Grant Agreement are eligible for reimbursement. Any expenses incurred since July 1, 2019 but prior to signing a grant agreement must be described in the work plan when applying in order to request reimbursement for those expenses.
How are grant funds distributed to an approved project?
Grant funds are distributed on a reimbursement basis. Funds will not be issued until the applicant successfully completes the project and submits the required information to the Department.