Pennsylvania Launches Grant Program To Support Booming Hemp Industry

Pennsylvania's Department Of Agriculture is calling for “proposals from nonprofit marketing and promotion organizations for projects aimed at increasing sales, export, or consumer awareness” of the state's hemp products, according to an official statement.

Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding said the department "plans to award $200,000 in matching funds to reimburse up to half of the project costs, with a minimum grant amount of $1,000."

📣 Proposals from nonprofit marketing + promotion organizations being accepted for projects aimed at increasing PA hemp sales, export or consumer awareness.
📑 Full grant guidelines: https://t.co/m3YGtP78Rx pic.twitter.com/45YtkmEmie

— PA Department of Agriculture (@PAAgriculture) October 17, 2022

Sowing Hope

"Hemp has presented a unique opportunity to grow an industry from the ground up, supplying seemingly limitless sustainable construction materials, fiber and food products," Redding said.

"These grants will feed a new industry that was once a staple of Pennsylvania's economy and is again presenting opportunities for farm income and jobs as well as new possibilities for climate-friendly, environmentally beneficial products." 

The department will give special consideration to projects that leverage other funds and public-private partnerships. Eligible projects may include regional or national promotion.

"Projects must have started as of July 1, 2022, and must be completed by June 30, 2023," according to the announcement. The application period closes Friday, December 2, 2022, at 5:00 PM. Full grant guidelines can be found HERE.

Product Promotion, Education, And Exports For Hemp

According to a notice in the Pennsylvania Bulletin, the program “Pennsylvania Agricultural Hemp Promotion, Education and Export Promotion Matching Grant Program” aims to:

• Increase consumer awareness of agricultural hemp products within this Commonwealth and thereby increase sales of these agricultural hemp products.
• Educate producers and consumers with respect to agricultural hemp products within this Commonwealth.
• Facilitate the growth and development of export markets for agricultural hemp products within this Commonwealth.

The department previously provided more than $157,000 in funding through the program for three organizations that were meant to increase consumer awareness of hemp products, as well as hemp fiber and food markets and opportunities, reported Marijuana Moment.

Hemp: A Growing Market

A recent U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) report, “European Union: Market Trends and Regulations for Industrial Hemp in the European Union,” addressed the hemp industry boom in the EU. “Hemp cultivation offers a range of environmental benefits, including carbon storage, erosion prevention, increased biodiversity, low to no pesticide requirement, and breaking disease cycles in crop rotation.”  

Photo: Courtesy Of Addy Mae On Unsplash