Agriculture

Agriculture is a grant and economic development resource from PA Dept. of Community & Economic Development that supports Pennsylvania's thriving agriculture sector, which generates over $132 billion annually and employs more than 593,000 workers.

The program offers a range of funding and technical assistance tools including the First Industries Fund for low-interest loans, the Agricultural Business Development Center (ABDC), the Agricultural Innovation Grant Program, and the PA Preferred branding program.

It also promotes AgTech adoption, organic farming, and food manufacturing growth statewide, making it a key resource for farms, agribusinesses, and startups looking to scale operations or access state investment.

Cultivating the Future of Agriculture Pennsylvania agriculture feeds the nation and fuels our state’s economy. Bringing in over $132 billion annually and supporting more than 593,000 jobs, our agriculture industry is one of the most robust in the country.

And it’s no wonder why: PA provides optimal conditions for farms and agribusinesses to thrive with a temperate climate, fertile soils, and convenient access to a large portion of the population. We lead the nation in a diverse range of agricultural commodities — from dairy, livestock, and poultry to specialty crops like mushrooms, apples, peaches, and beer. You’ll also find us among the top three states for overall organic sales.

By investing in innovation and embracing AgTech in the field, the Commonwealth is committed to farming sustainably and revolutionizing the way we grow food. We take snacks and sweets seriously too, and not just in York County, the “Snack Food Capital of the World. ” Pennsylvania ranks in the top five for snack food manufacturing and is home to well-known brands such as Hershey, Utz, Herr’s, and Snyder’s of Hanover.

With strong agricultural resources across the state and close proximity to major U.S. markets , it’s easy for businesses here to deliver their products from farm to table. Plant your roots in Pennsylvania and cultivate the future.

We're very excited about the agriculture innovation fund — it will drive the growth of small businesses that will take our research and turn it into tools that farmers can use, and it will also create a community of farmers that know how technology can be used on their farms."

— Dr. Christina Grozinger, Publius Vergilius Maro Professor of Entomology and Director of The Center for Pollinator Research at Pennsylvania State University Managing Director, Project & Account Management 717. 214. 5313 | jgrissinge@pa.

gov In the News: PA Agriculture Governor Shapiro invests $3 million in Erie County organic potato company Governor Josh Shapiro visited start-up company Folkland Foods, located in Waterford, Erie County, to announce a $3 million Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) investment in the company.

This funding will enable the company to expand its operations, transition more acreage to organic farming, begin producing a range of potato products, and create up to 50 new local jobs in the region over the first three years. Pennsylvania is getting stuff done for agriculture businesses, big and small.

Shapiro Administration announces recipients of the nation’s first Agricultural Innovation Grant Here in Pennsylvania, we're shaping the future of agriculture through smart investments that reward innovation.

Governor Shapiro’s bipartisan Agricultural Innovation Grant Program recently invested in 88 cutting-edge solutions and technologies, which will support agriculture programs in 45 counties across the Commonwealth in Organic Livestock and Poultry Production in the U.S. U.S. Department of Agriculture in Pennsylvania Farm Bill Investments USDA Census of Agriculture, 2022 Notable PA Agriculture Businesses Check out our interactive data map and learn everything there is to know about agribusiness in Pennsylvania.

See some of of the many programs and resources available to agriculture businesses in Pennsylvania. First Industries Fund (FIF) The First Industries Fund supports Pennsylvania’s agriculture and tourism sectors through low interest loans. These loans can be used for land and building acquisition, construction, machinery, and equipment upgrades.

Agricultural Business Development Center (ABDC) Established as part of the 2019 PA Farm Bill, the Agricultural Business Development Center (ABDC) supports the long-term vitality of Pennsylvania’s farms, strategic farm expansion, diversification of agricultural production, and offer financial and technical expertise as a resource for the industry.

The PA Preferred Program is the official brand of agriculture products made in Pennsylvania. The program promotes agricultural products grown and produced in Pennsylvania as part of public-private partnership between the PA Department of Agriculture and companies.

PA Food Manufacturers Directory The PA Department of Agriculture, in partnership with Saint Joseph’s University’s Center for Food Marketing created the PA Food Manufacturers Directory. The database includes Pennsylvania companies that offer food co-packing and private label manufacturing services to help businesses scale up production.

Pennsylvania Milk Processing Tax Credit Program The PA EDGE program provides tax credits to expanding businesses in critical manufacturing sectors. The Pennsylvania Milk Processing (PMP) tax credit is available through the PA Department of Revenue. Penn State Extension helps individuals, businesses, and communities address problems and realize opportunities through a robust portfolio of educational programs, products, and services.

With support from federal, state, and county governments, extension offers unbiased information and science-based support for Pennsylvania’s agriculture industry.