Bill > HB1895

This bill establishes the Agriculture Innovation Grant Program and Agriculture Innovation Board to provide reimbursement grants to agricultural businesses and professionals to support technological and operational improvements. The program will offer three types of grants: innovation planning projects (ranging from $7,500 to $50,000), on-site projects (ranging from $5,000 to $200,000), and regional impact projects (ranging from $100,000 to $2,000,000). Eligible applicants include farmers, agricultural commodity processors, technical service providers, and cooperative associations with specific minimum annual sales. The grants can support innovations in areas such as energy efficiency, production technologies, biosecurity, cybersecurity, and agricultural commodity processing. The Agriculture Innovation Board, composed of representatives from various state agencies, agricultural sectors, and legislative bodies, will evaluate and award grants based on criteria like project feasibility, innovation potential, and sustainability. Grants are reimbursement-based, require matching non-state funds, cannot cover staff wages, and are subject to restrictions preventing duplicate funding. A single applicant cannot receive more than $2,000,000 in grants per fiscal year. The program will be funded through state appropriations and potential gifts or donations, with the Department of Agriculture administering the program in consultation with the board.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1895