PA Preferred and PA Preferred Organic Marketing Grant Program

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture administers the PA Preferred and PA Preferred Organic Marketing Grant Program as part of its broader initiative to promote Pennsylvania-produced agricultural products. The PA Preferred branding program is a statewide marketing effort designed to help consumers easily identify and support products grown, processed, or produced within Pennsylvania. Through this grant program, the Department provides financial assistance to participating members and licensees to enhance their marketing efforts using official PA Preferred branding assets. The primary purpose of the grant program is to strengthen the visibility and marketability of Pennsylvania agricultural products by supporting the integration of PA Preferred, PA Preferred Homegrown By Heroes, and PA Preferred Organic logos into product marketing and promotional materials. The program is structured as a reimbursable grant, allowing recipients to recover a portion of eligible project costs. Specifically, funding is intended to offset expenses related to updating or creating marketing materials that prominently feature the Department’s trademarks, thereby increasing brand recognition and consumer trust. Eligible activities under the program include the design or redesign of product labels to incorporate official branding, the production and installation of on-farm signage and market displays, and the enhancement of farmers’ market presentation materials. In addition, grant funds may be used to hire contractors for marketing or design services, as well as to manufacture signs, labels, and packaging that display the PA Preferred logos. All funded activities must directly support the promotion of Pennsylvania-produced agricultural goods and adhere to the branding guidelines established by the Department. The program operates on a cost-share basis, with grants covering up to 85 percent of total eligible project expenses. Applicants are responsible for the remaining portion of project costs. The maximum award amount available per applicant is capped at 10,000 dollars. All funded projects must be completed within the designated performance period, which extends through June 30, 2027. Funds are disbursed on a reimbursable basis, meaning recipients must incur and document eligible expenses prior to receiving grant payments. Eligibility for the program is limited to entities that are officially recognized as PA Preferred, PA Preferred Homegrown By Heroes, or PA Preferred Organic licensees. Applicants must be in good standing with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and must hold a valid PA Preferred Trademark and Licensing Agreement at the time of application submission. This requirement ensures that all funded participants are authorized users of the branding and are actively engaged in promoting Pennsylvania agricultural products. Applications are required to be submitted through the Department’s electronic grants system by May 16, 2026, at 5:00 PM. Each application is expected to include a detailed project plan and budget outlining the proposed use of funds. The Department evaluates submissions based on completeness and accuracy, along with supporting documentation provided by applicants. Questions regarding the program or application process could be directed to designated Department contacts, including the PA Preferred Program Manager and the e-Grants Customer Service Center. The PA Preferred and PA Preferred Organic Marketing Grant Program is offered on a recurring basis as part of the Department’s ongoing commitment to supporting agricultural marketing initiatives across the state. By providing targeted financial assistance, the program aims to enhance the competitiveness of Pennsylvania producers, strengthen local food systems, and increase consumer awareness of in-state agricultural products.