Farm Vitality Planning Grants

Farm Vitality Planning Grants is sponsored by Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Business Development Center. Grants to help farmers with strategic business planning related to expanding operations, diversifying income, or transitioning farms to new owners. Covers up to 75% of eligible planning costs.

The 2026-27 state budget includes $500,000 for this program.

Apply for the Farm Vitality Grant | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Apply for the Farm Vitality Grant The Farm Vitality Planning Grant Program helps fund professional services for those planning for the future of a farm—designed to enhance the long-term vitality of Pennsylvania's farms through business planning, efficient transitions of ownership, strategic expansion, diversification of agricultural production, and building a team of financial and technical expertise as a resource for farmers.

Grants support projects like these: Enhancing a farm's long-term success with business and management strategies. Transitioning farm ownership and operation to new people. Passing ownership and operation within the family.

Diversifying agricultural production with new plans. Expanding or seeking financing for growth. Ensuring farms with conservation easements remain profitable and protect public investments.

Grants support projects like these: Enhancing a farm's long-term success with business and management strategies. Transitioning farm ownership and operation to new people. Passing ownership and operation within the family.

Diversifying agricultural production with new plans. Expanding or seeking financing for growth. Ensuring farms with conservation easements remain profitable and protect public investments.

The grant is $15,000, covering 75% of project costs. It's a reimbursement grant. The repayment is based on approved costs.

These are for approved projects by the applicant, during the grant's fiscal year. Grants are given based on available funds. In-kind support won't count as part of the applicant's contribution.

\r\n \r\n The Department of Agriculture will give up to $500,000 for program grants in 2026-2027. Costs from July 1, 2026, to the grant agreement must be in the work plan for reimbursement. The grant is $15,000, covering 75% of project costs.

It's a reimbursement grant. The repayment is based on approved costs. These are for approved projects by the applicant, during the grant's fiscal year.

Grants are given based on available funds. In-kind support won't count as part of the applicant's contribution. The Department of Agriculture will give up to $500,000 for program grants in 2026-2027.

Costs from July 1, 2026, to the grant agreement must be in the work plan for reimbursement. Eligible and ineligible costs Ag professionals help with business, transition, and succession plans. They also help with the related documents they create.

Accountant, CPA, Business Consultant, Financial Planner Profitability and feasibility Studies Financial Statements \r\n Business planning services Business software suggested by professionals (i.e. QuickBooks) Appraisal directly related to succession Preparation and filing of legal documents Setting up new entity with next generation Facilitate farm succession meetings and communication Assists farm families with a succession conflict Ag professionals help with business, transition, and succession plans.

They also help with the related documents they create.

Accountant, CPA, Business Consultant, Financial Planner Profitability and feasibility Studies Business planning services Business software suggested by professionals (i.e. QuickBooks) Appraisal directly related to succession Preparation and filing of legal documents Setting up new entity with next generation Facilitate farm succession meetings and communication Assists farm families with a succession conflict Capital improvements including: \r\n Installation of conservation practices Conservation Plans, Ag E&S Plans, Manure Management Plans, Nutrient Management Plans Surveying and subdivision costs even if related to succession Any taxes even if related to property transfer Insurance premiums and related costs Meals, mileage or other travel expenses Capital improvements including: Installation of conservation practices Conservation Plans, Ag E&S Plans, Manure Management Plans, Nutrient Management Plans Surveying and subdivision costs even if related to succession Any taxes even if related to property transfer Insurance premiums and related costs Meals, mileage or other travel expenses Applications must be submitted through the Single Application for Assistance online application system .

The Department will accept applications received on or after August 8, 2026, and until funds are exhausted. Applications must be submitted through the Single Application for Assistance online application system . The Department will accept applications received on or after August 8, 2026, and until funds are exhausted.

If you have any questions, please contact Neil Imes by phone or by email. If you have any questions, please contact Neil Imes by phone or by email. Budget & Service Provider Summary Template (Excel) Step-by-Step Application Guide (PDF) Budget & Service Provider Summary Template (Excel) Step-by-Step Application Guide (PDF)