CPE's mission is to drive economic growth, foster collaboration, and address critical challenges in Pennsylvania’s plant industries through targeted funding and partnerships. Our 2025–2026 Request for Proposals (RFP) will open with $125,000 in total funding available to advance key sectors vital to the Commonwealth's agricultural economy.
Quick Facts
- Deadline to Apply: November 6, 2025
- Project Period: December 8, 2025 – December 8, 2026
- Total Funds Available: $125,000
Funding Tracks
Track A – Research for Plant Industry Advancement
- Funding: Up to $30,000 per project
- Purpose: Research addressing high-priority issues that impact Pennsylvania's plant industries, delivering actionable outcomes that improve sustainability, plant health, and profitability.
- Eligible Applicants: Universities, research institutions, Extension, nonprofit organizations, and public-private partnerships.
- Requirements:
- 20% match (cash or in-kind)
- Amendment Notice – September 24, 2025: In an effort to reduce barriers to participation, the 20% match requirement originally included under Track A is hereby waived. See Section 5 of the Proposal Requirements for guidance on how to include leveraged resources.
- UEI number and SAM.gov registration
Track B – Plant Industry Career Development
- Funding: Up to $2,500 per individual or $10,000 per organization
- Purpose: Structured training, education, internships, apprenticeships, and hands-on learning to build Pennsylvania’s plant industry workforce.
- Eligible Applicants: Individuals pursuing plant industry careers; farms, for-profit businesses, nonprofit training providers, and educational institutions.
- Requirements:
- No match required
Funding Priorities
Projects that align with one or more of these priority areas will receive higher consideration:
- Growing Career Pipelines: Expanding and strengthening pathways into plant industry careers.
- Invasive Species & Plant Health Threats: Detection, monitoring, and management of invasive pests and plant diseases.
- Business Resilience & Innovation: Practical tools and models that improve business sustainability and profitability.
- Expanding Industry Visibility: Marketing, education, and outreach to increase awareness and market demand.
The full RFP with eligibility requirements, and application guidelines are linked below.
To apply: https://psu.infoready4.com/#freeformCompetitionDetail/1989272
For questions, please contact Miranda Harple at mharple@psu.edu.
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