Specialty crop grant proposals due March 25

The Delaware Department of Agriculture recently issued a request for proposals for the 2022 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program.

The federal Farm Bill is allotting approximately $320,000 through a competitive grant process to fund innovative projects supporting specialty crops, and creating new and better markets for the Delaware specialty crop industry. DDA will accept applications until 4:30 p.m., Friday, March 25.

Specialty crops include fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, nursery crops and floriculture. Projects should benefit the specialty crop industry and provide a positive impact with measurable outcomes. Grants are available between $5,000 and $75,000 for projects that may last between one and three years.

Agricultural producers, nonprofit organizations, government entities, for-profit companies and educational institutions based in Delaware, or with a business or academic affiliation based in the state are eligible to apply. Applications requesting funding for field crops such as corn and soybeans, or for animal agriculture, do not qualify.

Past Delaware projects have included expanding community-supported agriculture programs, research on new specialty crop varieties, deer deterrent methods to safeguard specialty crops, and marketing to promote locally grown specialty crops.

The grant evaluation team will review submissions, with selected projects included in the Delaware State Plan for USDA’s review and final approval.

To learn more or to obtain an application, go to de.gov/scbg.