A new state program will offer $5 million in grants to support the Pennsylvania dairy industry, according to state Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23).
The Pennsylvania Dairy Industry Investment Program, which was created by lawmakers in June, will support investments in projects to improve the production, processing and distribution of dairy products throughout the state.
The program will provide grants of up to $100,000 for research and development and marketing projects, and up to $50,000 for value-added processing projects and dairy operations transitioning to organic products.
Eligible applicants include dairy businesses and cooperatives, not-for-profit agricultural organizations, schools, and institutions of higher learning. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis as long as funding is available.
The program is administered by Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA). Grants are only available for projects that are not already underway; commencement of work on a project before receiving CFA approval will result in the project being deemed ineligible for funding. A 15 percent cash match of the total project cost is required.
Interested applicants must submit an application online with the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Electronic Single Application for Assistance at www.esa.dced.state.pa.us. Additional program details will be available soon on DCED’s website at www.dced.pa.gov.
