USDA Highlights Changes To The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program

There are a few changes to this year’s USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program.  Agricultural Marketing Service Deputy Administrator Tricia Kovacs said the first thing states and stakeholders should know is the increase in available grant funding.

“[it's now up to] $86.6 million, and they are able to support innovative research, projects that kind of market specialty crops or help those industries really succeed and expand markets both domestically and abroad.”

Kovacs added states have until June 8th to apply for Specialty Crop Block funding.  And when a state is awarded grant funds.

“They do a competition in each state, so anybody who's looking to get a sub-award to receive a grant through this program would need to go to their state Department of Agriculture's website or information when they're accepting applications and when they make their decisions.”

What crops are eligible for specialty crop grants? 

• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Tree nuts
• Dried fruits
• Christmas trees
• Turf type grasses
• Nursery crops 

Learn more about the application process, timeline and more by visiting the Washington State Department of Agriculture, Oregon Department of Agriculture, or the Idaho State Department of Agriculture.

Additional details can also be found on the AMS Website.

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