The department is authorized to make grants in amounts approved by the secretary in the following manner:
(1) On or before February 1, annually, to eligible county agricultural societies, independent agricultural societies and other organizations which conduct an annual agricultural fair to assist the organizations as follows:(i) Financing their operating costs, including, but not limited to, the cost of exhibiting agribusiness products, materials and equipment, conducting agricultural or agribusiness educational activities and demonstrations, and awarding premiums to contest and exhibit winners at the fairs. (A) A basic payment for operating expenses, the sum of which may not exceed $14,000 for Class A fairs, $12,000 for Class B fairs, $9,500 for Class C fairs, $7,000 for Class D fairs and $2,500 for Class E fairs.(B) Fifty percent of money paid for all other agricultural premiums not included in paragraph (1), with a maximum payment for premiums not to exceed $15,000.(ii) Financing their costs to improve buildings and grounds, add land or construct new facilities.(iii) Reimbursing each county agricultural society and each independent agricultural society conducting harness horse racing during its annual fair, other than races for two- and three-year old colts and fillies provided for in subparagraph (iv), in an amount of money equal to that used during its annual fair as purse money for harness horse racing, track and stable maintenance, starting gate rental and the cost of all harness horse racing officials required during the annual fair. Reimbursement shall not exceed $13,000, and a minimum of $4,000 shall be used for purse money.(iv) Reimbursing each county agricultural society and independent agricultural society conducting races for two- and three-year old colts and fillies at its annual fair, concerning which a maximum of $7,600 was paid annually. Entrance fees collected for each race shall not be included for purposes of determining eligibility for a grant under this section.(2) To Statewide agricultural organizations which contribute to the development of many phases of agriculture or agribusiness.(3) To countywide or Statewide 4-H and FFA or combined FFA and FHA units of boys and girls under 21 years of age to be used for the general operations of the units in agriculture or agribusiness programs. An organization whose members consist entirely of minors must apply through and be represented by an adult advisory group, and both groups must be recognized by their respective county governments or by the Commonwealth. Each countywide or Statewide 4-H and FFA or combined FFA and FHA unit shall be required to report on its activities and justify these activities as events which contribute to the advancement of agriculture or agribusiness. Reports shall include a record of expenses incurred in the conduct of these qualifying activities. The grant awarded to each youth group cannot exceed the amount of expenses reported for the conduct of the activities.1986, July 8, P.L. 437, No. 92, § 5, effective 7/1/1986.