Please review each grant’s Request for Proposals (RFP) before applying to understand all program details and what is required of the applicant. Contact Andrew Holden, Business Management Educator, with any questions at azh6192@psu.edu or by calling 716-640-2656. If you know of a grant that wasn’t listed and would benefit the industry, please contact Andrew.

Grant info was compiled in February of 2026 and is subject to change.

 
Grants and Programs Available for the Lake Erie Region Grape & Wine Industry - February 2026 Handout
 

Agricultural Innovation Grant – Pennsylvania

The Agricultural Innovation Grant Program helps farmers and other agriculture businesses implement new agricultural technologies, conservation, and renewable energy innovations — expanding their potential to generate profits, enrich soil and water resources, and produce energy on the farm.

Grants will reimburse expenses for project planning, on-site project implementation, and larger grants for projects that have a regional impact. Project examples include technology that:

  • improves efficiency on the farm or in processing,

  • generates energy while reducing nutrient waste leaving the farm,

  • supports crops that effectively store carbon or replace non-renewable resources.

Innovation planning project grant

An eligible applicant may apply for a grant to develop a strategic plan to utilize innovation to improve agricultural practices, technologies, operations or approaches within a specific business, geographic area, or network. The following shall apply to a grant under this subsection:

  • The amount of a grant should be no less than $7,500 and no more than $50,000.

  • A grantee must use non-State sourced matching funds equal to at least 30% of the grant amount for the project.

Onsite project grant

An eligible applicant may apply for a grant for a project that focuses on implementing innovation practices, technologies, or approaches on an individual farm or property producing or processing an agricultural commodity. The following shall apply to a grant under this subsection:

  • The amount of the grant should be no less than $5,000 and no more than $200,000.

  • A grantee must use non-State sourced matching funds equal to at least 50% of the grant amount for the project.

Regional impact project grant

An eligible applicant may apply for a grant for a project designed to address challenges, promote efficiencies, or achieve specific goals for multiple eligible applicants. The following shall apply to a grant under this subsection:

  • The amount of the grant should be no less than $100,000 and no more than $2 million.

  • The grantee must use non-State sourced matching funds equal to at least 50% of the grant amount for the project.

  • The project must impact two or more persons or businesses or be a cooperative association that grows, harvests, processes, packs or manages an agricultural commodity.

Applications must be submitted through the Single Application for Assistance online application system between 8 a.m. on February 2, 2026, and 11:59 p.m. on April 18, 2026. Applications received outside of that application window will not be considered or reviewed.

Apply Here

2026 Beginning Farmer Competitive Grant Program

$1.7 Million Available for New York Beginning Farmers

New York Farm Viability Institute is pleased to announce that the 2026 NYS Beginning Farmer Competitive Grant Program (BFCG) is now open as of March 16.

The BFCG is a competitive funding opportunity administered in partnership with the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. The program will provide 1.7 million to support beginning farmers in building financially sustainable, independent, commercial agricultural enterprises throughout New York State. RFP closes on June 14, 2026.

What can be funded?

  • Start-up, improvement, or expansion of farm operations

  • Purchase of land, machinery, equipment, or livestock

  • Construction or improvement of structures

  • Marketing initiatives

  • Worker or apprenticeship training

  • Other business needs tied to financial impact

Note: Vehicles and boats are not allowed

Who is eligible?

  • Applicants must be a New York beginning farmer with 10 years or less of farm operation experience and who will materially and substantially participate in operating a farm in New York State.

  • Applicants must demonstrate the potential for the project to grow the business and improve financial sustainability. All applicants whose farm generated less than $1,000 in the previous year must provide a business plan.

  • Proposals may support a business that produces any type of agricultural product, with the exception of cannabis.

Funding Information

Application Period: March 16 – June 14, 2026
Total Funding Available: $1,700,000
Required Match: 5%

Award Range

Track 1: $5,000 - $50,000
Track 2: $50,001 - $200,000

Project Timeline

Track 1: 18 Months
Track 2: 24 Months

More Information can be found here: https://nyfvi.org/grant-programs/producer-grants/beginningfarmer/2026-bf/

Business Management Contact:

Andrew Holden, Business Management Educator

Mobile (call or text): (716) 640-2656

Office: (716) 792-2800

Email: AZH6192@psu.edu