Specialty Crop Block Grant Program Application Period Now Open In Idaho

The Idaho State Department of Agriculture announced Wednesday that the application period for the HR 133 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program is now open. The ISDA will be awarding over $2 million in competitive grants, via funds from the USDA. Priority will be given to projects that respond to COVID-19 impacts.

Specialty crops are defined to include fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, nursery crops including floriculture, and honey. These funds are somewhat different than traditional Specialty Crop Block Grants awarded annually through the Farm Bill.

Individual companies may apply for COVID-related facility adjustments including mitigation efforts such as housing adaptations, personal protective equipment, and plexiglass barriers to protect employees or the public. Priority also is given to implementing market adaptations and supply chain improvements related to COVID-19 for projects that benefit a variety of businesses.

“For the first time, this grant program provides an opportunity to assist individual specialty crop producers with COVID-19 mitigation,” said ISDA Director Celia Gould. “It also provides valuable resources for improving supply chains and fostering innovative market adaptations to strengthen Idaho’s specialty crop industry in the years ahead.”

Application and details can be found on the ISDA Website. The ISDA will be hosting two application webinars with information on program requirements and application procedures: