NASDA Seeks Guidance on Specialty Crop Grants
News Date October 05, 2001
Billy Ray Smith, NASDA president and commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, sent a letter to USDA Secretary Ann M. Veneman this week requesting further guidance on the state block grants for specialty crops. The letter is a follow up to the discussion about possible uses of the grant funds during NASDA's annual meeting in Burlington, Vermont.
Commissioner Smith expressed the strong support of state departments of agriculture to make the block grant process work effectively and efficiently. He acknowledged that USDA's guidance letter that was recently sent to the governors was helpful, but there were still some areas of ambiguity. Commissioner Smith asked for further guidance and clarification on several issues including the timetable for distribution of funds, audits, administrative costs, capital expenses related to educational projects, and whether aquaculture is considered a specialty crop.
The letter and guidance questions have been posted on NASDA's website under the "State Specialty Crop Block Grant Information" section.