Specialty crop funding applications due April 14
The Delaware Department of Agriculture is seeking applications for this year’s Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, with nearly $344,500 allocated to help increase the competitiveness of Delaware-grown specialty crops.
An informational grant workshop will be held at 5 p.m., Tuesday, March 24, in the Delaware Department of Agriculture’s Conference Center at 2320 South DuPont Highway, Dover.
Applications will be accepted through 4:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 14. 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 should benefit the specialty crop industry as a whole and be able to provide a positive impact with measurable outcomes. Grants are available between $5,000 and $50,000 for projects that may last between one and three years.
Applications should 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.
Past Delaware projects have included research on growing truffle mushrooms and persimmons, high-density orchards and youth educational farm field trips.
For more information or to obtain applications, go to www.de.gov/scbg or contact DDA marketing specialist JoAnn Walston at 302-698-4592 or joann.walston@delaware.gov.
