Statewide Agricultural Organization Reimbursement Program

The Statewide Agricultural Organization Reimbursement Program is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture to provide financial support to statewide agricultural organizations that conduct activities promoting agriculture and agribusiness. The program is designed to strengthen the agricultural sector across Pennsylvania by assisting organizations that host events, initiatives, and programming aligned with agricultural education, outreach, and industry advancement. These organizations typically represent broad agricultural interests and operate across multiple counties within the state. The primary purpose of this reimbursement-based grant is to offset a portion of the operational and programmatic costs incurred by eligible statewide agricultural organizations. Rather than providing upfront funding, the program requires organizations to first incur and document eligible expenses, after which they may apply for reimbursement. This structure ensures that funds are allocated based on verified expenditures and program execution. The funding supports annual events and overall organizational activities that contribute to the agricultural mission. Funding is structured in two components. Each eligible organization may receive base funding of up to 2,000 dollars toward total expenses. In addition, the program reimburses 50 percent of premium costs, with a maximum reimbursement cap of 10,000 dollars. However, reimbursement cannot exceed the total documented expenses associated with the event or activity. Awards are contingent upon the availability of funds, and applicants should be aware that full reimbursement is not guaranteed if demand exceeds available resources. Eligible expenses include administrative costs, utilities, and planning and preparation costs directly associated with the organization’s agricultural programming. Certain expenditures are explicitly excluded, including entertainment expenses and clothing purchases. These restrictions are intended to ensure that funds are directed toward mission-critical activities that directly support agricultural education, outreach, and operational effectiveness. Eligibility is limited to Pennsylvania-based statewide agricultural organizations. Applicants must ensure their organizational information, including legal name and address, is verified with the Fair Office prior to submission. The application process is conducted through the Commonwealth’s Single Application for Assistance online system. Applicants must register or log in, select the Department of Agriculture, and apply under the Statewide Agricultural Organizations Reimbursement program. Required components include organizational details, budget documentation, addenda forms detailing expenses and activities, and supporting documentation such as event programs or agendas. Applications must be submitted annually by November 15. The program operates on a recurring yearly cycle, and organizations must submit reimbursement applications each year to be considered for funding. Required reporting is integrated into the application process itself, as applicants must provide detailed documentation of expenses and activities to substantiate reimbursement claims. For assistance, applicants may contact the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s Customer Service Center or the Fair Office directly via phone or email.