Pennsylvania officials are seeking proposals from nonprofit marketing and promotion groups for projects intended to boost the state’s hemp product sales, exports, or consumer awareness. The state Agriculture Department intends to provide $200,000 in matching funds with a minimum grant of $1,000 to cover up to 50% of the project costs.
The awards “will fuel a new industry that was once a cornerstone of Pennsylvania’s economy and is again giving prospects for farm income and jobs as well as new potential for climate-friendly, environmentally beneficial products,” according to Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding.
The Agriculture Department gave more than $157,000 to three projects in 2021 as part of the initiative in order to raise consumer awareness of hemp products and expand the state’s markets for fiber and edible hemp. Since 2019, the state has spent $923,000 on grants specifically for hemp.
The projects that qualify for the current funding have to begin on or after July 1, 2022, and they have to be finished by June 30, 2023.
Through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s online application process, qualified nonprofit organizations can submit grant requests. The application period expires at 5:00 PM on Friday, December 2, 2022.
