Agricultural Innovation Grant Program (AIG)

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. Administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and described as the nation's first Agricultural Innovation Grant Program, it reimburses expenses for project planning, on-site implementation, and larger projects with regional impact. Round three (2026-2027) is supported by an additional $10 million, bringing total program funding to $30 million; prior rounds funded 185 projects.

Eligible applicants are: a person who grows an agricultural commodity with anticipated sales greater than $2,000/year; a person who processes an agricultural commodity with anticipated sales greater than $10,000/year; a person who provides technical assistance or services to farmers (conservation, engineering, veterinary care, animal disease management, farm management, agricultural commodity production, nutrient management, and similar); or a person or cooperative association that utilizes agricultural commodities to create products or energy. The operation and project must be in Pennsylvania, the applicant must be in good standing with the PA Department of Revenue, and the project must fall within the program's eight priority areas.

Reimbursement grant paid against paid receipts, in three tiers: Innovation Planning Project Grant $7,500-$50,000 (minimum 30% non-State cash match); Onsite Project Grant $5,000-$200,000 (minimum 50% match); Regional Impact Project Grant $100,000-$2,000,000 (minimum 50% match; must impact two or more persons/businesses or a cooperative association). Only non-State cash match is accepted. Only equipment and contracting/consulting costs are reimbursable (no administrative, salary, stipend, or marketing costs). Infrastructure projects over $25,000 are subject to prevailing wage. Cumulative program funding across all rounds is $30 million.

Apply online through the Commonwealth's Single Application for Assistance at grants.pa.gov (Keystone Login required). Round 3 applications are accepted 8:00 AM August 24, 2026 through 11:59 PM September 23, 2026. If selected, register as a Non-Procurement Vendor to obtain a 6-digit vendor number.