Agriculture marketing, research and sales grant workshop set April 26

More than $300,000 in federal grant funding is now available for projects to help produce, market or access Delaware-grown fruit, vegetables and certain other crops. The Delaware Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program through 4:30 p.m., Friday, June 3.

The program, funded through the federal farm bill, covers products known as specialty crops, including fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture and nursery crops, including floriculture. Projects may run for one to three years. Grants are available between $5,000 and $50,000.

Applications must be submitted by agricultural producers, nonprofit organizations, government entities, for-profit companies or educational institutions based in Delaware or with a business or educational affiliation here. Funding cannot be used for field crops, such as corn and soybeans, or animal agriculture.

An informational grant workshop will be held at 5 p.m., Tuesday, April 26, at the Delaware Department of Agriculture, 2320 South DuPont Hwy., Dover.

Past Delaware projects have included research on heat-tolerant lima bean varieties, work to improve sales of local produce in Wilmington, efforts to expand a community-supported agriculture program, research on blueberry varieties, and advertising to promote locally run farm stands.

For applications, go to de.gov/scbg or contact  DDA marketing specialist JoAnn Walston at 302-698-4592 or joann.walston@state.de.us.

For more information on grants are available directly from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, go to www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants.