Naig: Grants Available to Promote Specialty Crops
Groups promoting fruits and vegetables, nuts and flowers encouraged to comment on program priorities, consider applying for funds
DES MOINES, Iowa (February 6, 2019) – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today announced that the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is now accepting applications for grant funding through the Specialty Crop Block Grant program. The grants are available to support projects that enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops grown in Iowa.
“The Specialty Crop Block Grant program allows farmers to focus on areas that help them expand their business,” said Naig. “Specialty crops are an example of value added agriculture as they allow farmers to diversify and give customers access to locally grown products.”
Grant funds shall be used for projects that enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops that benefit the specialty crop industry as a whole and will not be awarded for projects that directly benefit a particular product or provide a profit to a single organization, institution or individual. These projects can include marketing and promotions, research and development, expanding availability and access to specialty crops and addressing local, regional and national challenges confronting specialty crop producers.
Iowa agencies, universities, institutions, and producer, industry, and community-based organizations are all eligible to apply for funding to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. In addition, single organizations, institutions and individuals are encouraged to participate as project partners.
Grant awards will be considered up to a maximum of $24,000 and projects can have a duration of up to 30 months. The final funding level for the 2019 Iowa Specialty Crop Block Grant Program is yet to be announced by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service, administer of the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. Funding for the 2018 Iowa Specialty Crop Block Grand was $334,269.77.
Specialty Crops that are eligible under this program include fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits and horticulture and nursery crops, including floriculture. Both fresh and processed specialty crops are eligible.
Proposals must be received by IDALS on or before 4:00 p.m. on Friday, March 1, 2019. For more information, visit the IDALS Specialty Crop Block Grant program at the Department’s website here (www.IowaAgriculture.gov/Horticulture_and_FarmersMarkets/specialtyCropGrant.asp