WSDA Taking Applications for Multi-State Specialty Crop Grant

The Washington State Department of Agriculture is accepting applications and helping coordinate applications for grant money that can help specialty crop growers and the whole industry.

Leisa Schumaker is the Grant Administrator for WSDA and she said the applicants need to be from multi-state teams that could be from universities, associations, organizations, tribal governments or others.

“The projects can address regional or national level specialty crop issues such as food safety, plant pests or disease, research or projects addressing common issues specifically related to specialty crops such as marketing, promotion or education as well.”

It’s a very tough competitive grant with only $7 million available and 20 states eligible to apply for it.

Schumaker said there are a lot of requirements and it is very competitive, but ultimately worth it.

“It’s definitely a good program. You’re able to collaborate with other states be more beneficial to more specialty crop producers in different states.”

Grant amounts are between $250,000 and $1 million and can take up to three years for completion, but must be started in 2017. The application deadline is by 2:00 p.m. September 25^th.

Find out more on the WSDA's blog about the grant program.

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