Pennsylvania wine industry awarded $1 mln in grants

The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) recently awarded $1 million in grants to nine wine industry projects to develop and promote Pennsylvania-made wines.

PLCB is authorized by the Pennsylvania Wine Marketing and Research Board to provide up to $1 million grants annually aimed at increasing production of wine and for wine promotion.

The Pennsylvania Winery Association was awarded the largest grant, $544,350, for Pennsylvania Wine Land statewide marketing and promotions. Pennsylvania State University will receive $112,037 for research related to improving wine quality and yield.

“These investments in Pennsylvania’s wine industry come at a critical time,” Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding said. “The state’s $4.8 billion wine industry is threatened by a destructive and rapidly spreading invasive insect, the Spotted Lanternfly. Some of these research dollars will complement the work of our department and federal and private sector partners to support and protect the industry, and build on the $3 million in the 2018-19 budget dedicated to controlling the pest.”

PLCB also authorized the Pennsylvania Malt and Brewed Beverages Industry Promotion Board to award up to $1 million annually for beer industry development and marketing. The first round of grants, totaling nearly $705,000, was awarded to 13 projects in February.

“These grants are an important investment in the future of a vibrant, dynamic part of Pennsylvania’s agricultural portfolio,” Gov. Tom Wolf said in announcing the grants.