The beer industry has received a major boost with the approval of grants for projects to increase production of Pennsylvania-made malt and brewed beverages.
Governor Tom Wolf announced the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) approved grants totaling $1,925,319 for 15 projects to increase the state beer industry through promotion, marketing, and research-based programs and projects. The announcement was published by the Official Pennsylvania Government website
The initiative aims also to enhance the Pennsylvania wine industry and increase the production of Pennsylvania-made wines.
Wolf stated that the approved subsidies will promote modes of production and forms of marketing. “Pennsylvania industries have to adopt new ways of doing business in the COVID-19 world, and these grants will provide substantial funding to help two vital parts of our agricultural community not only explore ways of improving production methods but also boost marketing efforts that reach beyond our borders.”
Today, @GovernorTomWolf announced the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board approved almost $2 million in grants for 15 projects to increase and enhance the production of Pennsylvania-made beers and wine. https://t.co/aNfiXpqIjc
— Office of the Governor (@GovernorsOffice) October 6, 2021
Act 39 of 2016 created the Pennsylvania Malt and Brewed Beverages Industry Promotion Board within the Department of Agriculture and authorized the PLCB to approve up to $1 million annually for development and marketing of the Pennsylvania beer industry.
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The Pennsylvania Fiscal Code also allows for unallocated beer grant funds to be made available in subsequent years. Since the first beer grants were approved in 2017, the PLCB has awarded $3.9 million in grants to support the Pennsylvania beer industry (not including this round).
Seven beer projects totaling $925,319 were recommended for approval to the PLCB by the Pennsylvania Malt and Brewed Beverages Industry Promotion Board.
Also wine production
The initiative also expanded the Pennsylvania Wine Marketing and Research Board and authorized the PLCB to approve up to $1 million annually for wine research and promotion.
The eight wine projects were recommended for approval by the Board.
The PLCB regulates the distribution of beverage alcohol in Pennsylvania, operates 600 wine and spirits stores statewide, and licenses 20,000 alcohol producers, retailers, and handlers. In addition, the Board also works to reduce and prevent dangerous and underage drinking through partnerships with schools, community groups, and licensees.
For more information about the PLCB, visit lcb.pa.gov.