USDA SEEKS APPLICATIONS FOR SPECIALTY CROP BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM-FARM BILL FUNDS
News Date February 02, 2010
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has invited state departments of agriculture in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands to submit applications for grant funds under the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program-Farm Bill.
On January 29, USDA announced the availability of approximately $55 million for block grants to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops defined as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture). USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) administers the program.
Each state that submits an application that is reviewed and approved by AMS will receive a minimum grant amount of at least $100,000, or up to one-third of 1 percent of the total amount of funding made available in fiscal year 2010, whichever is greater.
In addition, AMS will allocate the remainder of the grant funds based on the value of specialty crop production in each state in relation to the national value of specialty crop production using the latest available cash receipt data.
States may wish to consider submitting grants that increase the competitiveness of specialty crop farmers, including Native American and disadvantaged farmers. Increasing competiveness may include developing local and regional food systems, and improving food access in underserved communities. (By: Brett Schubert; Contact: Amy Mann)