December 3, 2001
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Contact: Sara Olson
(402) 471-6856

Governor Johanns Announces New Grant Program To Boost State's Specialty Crop

LINCOLN - Specialty crop projects in Nebraska will receive an economic boost through a new block grant, announced by Governor Mike Johanns on Monday. Grant money totaling $640,000 has been made available to Nebraska through Congress' Emergency Farm Relief Package passed this fall.

"The primary intent of this funding is to promote innovative specialty crop projects that will help diversify our state's ag industry and boost existing agriculture production," said Governor Johanns.

Grants will be awarded on a competitive basis with priority given to those working in cooperative efforts on projects with potential economic impact on the speciality crop industry. Specialty crop projects are considered any crop except wheat, feed grains, oilseeds, cotton, rice, peanuts, and tobacco. Grant money is to be used toward research, education, or promotional efforts.

"These funds will be able to assist groups in start-up efforts to more advanced research and product development throughout the state," said Merlyn Carlson, Director of Agriculture. "I am truly excited to see this opportunity for further development within Nebraska agriculture."

The Nebraska Department of Agriculture will begin accepting applications January 1, 2002, and will evaluate projects on February 15, 2002. Awards will continue until all grant funds have been expended.

The guidelines, application form, and other specialty crop block grant information is available at the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, 800-422-6692, or on the Department website at www.agr.state.ne.us.