NCDA&CS accepting proposals for Specialty Crop Block Grant Program


RALEIGH – The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is accepting proposals from nonprofits and government agencies for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program.

The program aims to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops in the marketplace. It is managed by the department and funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture under the 2014 farm bill.

“Last year, the department awarded nearly $1.2 million to fund 15 projects statewide,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program is a great opportunity to fund additional research, education and outreach projects to benefit North Carolina specialty-crop farmers.”

The department will accept grant requests ranging from $20,000 to $200,000 from nonprofit organizations, commodity associations, state and local government agencies, colleges and universities. Grants are not available for projects that directly benefit or provide a profit to a single organization, institution or individual. The application deadline is 5 p.m. March 27.

Projects involving the following specialty crops are eligible: fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, culinary herbs and spices, medicinal plants, as well as nursery, floriculture and horticulture crops. Funding is also available for projects aimed at developing local and regional food systems and improving food access.

For grant guidelines and an application, go to www.NCSpecialtyCropGrant.org. For more information, contact Jeff Camden at 919-707-3111, specialtycropgrant@ncagr.gov or Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, 1020 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1020.