UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Center for Plant Excellence will offer over $130,000 in grant funding for proposals in research and advancement of Pennsylvania's plant industries.
The Center of Plant Excellence, a strategic partnership between Pennsylvania's Department of Agriculture and Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences, is designed to drive economic growth, support industry collaboration and address pressing challenges in plant industries in Pennsylvania through targeted funding and partnerships.
The Center for Plant Excellence board of directors has identified four funding categories for this round: growing career pipelines, invasive species and plant health threats, business resilience and innovation, and expanding industry visibility.
“Pennsylvania’s plant sectors are essential to the vitality of our rural communities, our food systems and our tourism economy,” said Miranda Harple, interim director of the Center for Plant Excellence with Penn State Extension. “This year’s funding supports both applied research that solves real problems in the field and workforce programs that build the people who will carry these industries forward.”
Workforce development proposals may include training and education programs. The center also will offer scholarships for individuals pursuing undergraduate or continuing education in plant-related fields. Applications will be accepted under Track A, called "Plant Industry Research & Development, or Track B, called "Plant Industry for Career Development."
“Developing and retaining skilled talent is one of the most critical challenges facing Pennsylvania’s plant and agricultural sectors today,” Harple said. “Track B funding provides direct, practical financial assistance to help employers and educators build sustainable career pathways, whether that involves hosting paid apprentices, mentoring interns or upskilling current staff.”
Applicants interested in Track B funding may attend an upcoming webinar occurring from noon to 12:30 p.m. on Sept. 9 for more information.
Applications must be submitted through online application. Applications deadlines vary by funding category. Funded projects are expected to begin in December.
For more information on eligibility, funding priorities and application instructions, visit the Center for Plant Excellence website.