USDA accepting applications for Specialty Crop Block Grant Program

The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) are accepting applications for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). 

A statement from ADAI said that grants will be given to projects "enhance the competitiveness of U.S. specialty crops in foreign and domestic markets."

The USDA defines specialty crops are defined as fruits and vegetables, dried fruit, tree nuts, horticulture (that includes maple syrup and honey) and nursery crops (that includes floriculture).

Eligible for grants are commodity groups, agricultural organizations, colleges and universities, municipalities, state agencies and agricultural nonprofits. Applications will be reviewed by ADAI before submitting recommendations to the USDA for final approval. 

The minimum amount awarded will be $5,000, with the maximum amount of $25,000 awarded to commodity groups, agriculture organizations, municipalities and agriculture nonprofits. The maximum amount for colleges and universities is $40,000.

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"The specialty crop industry in Alabama continues to grow as the demand for locally grown food increases. These grants provide funding on research to enhance the quality and quantity of specialty crops and to develop new marketing opportunities,” said Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries Rick Pate. “The department looks forward to implementing this program, which not only benefits specialty crop producers but consumers as well.”

Projects will not begin until official agreements are signed by the expected time of October. The deadline to apply is March 15 at 5 p.m. 

For more information, contact Johnny Blackmon at 334-240-7257 or by email at johnny.blackmon@agi.alabama.gov.

Potential applicants may also visit https://agi.alabama.gov/divisions/executive/scbgp and https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/scbgp.