Specialty Crop Grants - Letter

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Date: June 8, 2009
To: Utah Agriculture, Food Industry and Stakeholders
From: Leonard M. Blackham, Commissioner
Subject: SPECIALTY CROPS BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM

The Agricultural Marketing Service of USDA is inviting grant applications made possible by the 2008 Farm Bill through the Specialty Crops Block Grant Program (SCBGP-FB). Utah will receive over $200,000 to fund projects that meet the criteria of “solely enhancing the competitiveness of specialty crops.”

As the authorized agency to administer these funds for the State, the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food invites individual producers, producer groups, organizations, and associations, as well as state and local organizations, academia and other specialty crop stakeholders to apply as single entities or in combined efforts. Proposals submitted by individual producers must demonstrate that the potential impact of the project will accrue to a broader group of similar producers, region or industry segment.

Please carefully read the attached “Program Overview” that describes the program, eligibility, application guidelines and selection criteria of projects. Specialty crops are defined as fruits and vegetables, dried fruit, tree nuts, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture).

We welcome your project application. Complete and sign the attached Application and provide all required addenda and return to the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food. Applications must be postmarked no later than July 17, 2009. Please follow all guidelines from the Overview. Only applications that meet the criteria and follow the format in the Overview can be accepted and approved. If your project is approved, a Cooperative Agreement between the Department and your entity will be required.

 

Posted June 8, 2009