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$285,000 in Specialty Crop Grants Available for 2011

 

$285,000 in Grants Available for Specialty Crops

Salt Lake City  -  The Utah Department of Agriculture & Food (UDAF) is once again seeking proposals for the federally funded Specialty Crops Block Grant Program.  Specialty Crops are defined as fruits and vegetables, dried fruits, horticulture and nursery crops (including floriculture).

The Specialty Crop Grant stems from the U.S. Farm Bill which authorizes the U.S. Department of Agriculture to partner with state departments of agriculture to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crop producers in areas such as marketing, promotion, education, research, trade, and increasing child and adult nutrition knowledge and consumption of specialty crops.

Individual producers, producer groups, organizations, and associations, as well as state and local organizations, academia and other specialty crops stakeholders are eligible to apply either as single entities or in combined efforts.  Each project must demonstrate measurable benefits for the specialty crop industry and must assist more than just a single producer or company.

In 2010, 21 projects were awarded a total $285,000.  This year again, approximately $285,000 of grant money will be available for the State of Utah on a competitive and application basis. Proposals & projects that assist new specialty crop producers or socially disadvantaged farmers are also encouraged.  Matching funds are not required but are strongly encouraged.

UDAF & USDA  timeline:

- Grant proposals due to Utah Department of Agriculture & Food (UDAF) by June 10, 2011
- UDAF selection committee submit winning proposals to USDA by July 13, 2011
- USDA announce their awards in late September, 2011
- UDAF issue grant agreements/contracts to recipients by late November, 2011

APPLICATION INFORMATION and forms are available HERE, or call David Bailey at (801) 538-4931. 

For more information on the program, lists of eligible products and the federal requirements, go to the USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)

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Posted April 11, 2011