Specialty Crop Block Grant Program |
The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (H.R. 8) authorized the USDA to provide grants to states. Subsequently, the USDA expressed their intent to make block grants to states under the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBG) in 2013. In anticipation of funding, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is seeking grant applications from Minnesota organizations to “increase the competitiveness of our specialty crops” in domestic and foreign markets.
Specialty crops are defined in law as: fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture and nursery crops, including floriculture. A more comprehensive list of eligible (and ineligible) crops is available. These funds may be used to further a specialty crop industry or segment; they will not be granted for the benefit of a single organization, institution, business or individual. Non-profit organizations, producer organizations, government agencies, universities and other agricultural groups are encouraged to apply.
MDA 2013 SCBG funding priorities:
- Innovation in production, aggregation, processing, packaging
- Improving operational efficiencies, reducing costs or other barriers, and increasing access to distribution systems and new markets for specialty crops
- Increasing the demand-for and supply-of locally produced specialty crops
- Pest and disease control, and varietal improvement
- Development of food safety practices including “Good Agricultural Practices”, “Good Handling Practices” and “Good Manufacturing Practices”
- Practices that encourage conservation and environmental stewardship, including organic specialty crops research
Note: MDA will consider any comments regarding SCBG funding priorities for future consideration
How to Apply
Applications are due in the form of an e-mail to brian.j.erickson@state.mn.us, using the fillable .pdf application template provided online, by 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 29, 2013. The signature page may be attached as a separate .pdf (along with support letters), if electronic signature is not an option.
Application Forms and Guidance
Timeline
- Request for proposals released - April 4, 2013
- Applications due 4:00pm CST - May 29, 2013
- Applications scored, selected and notified - May-June 2013
- Minnesota State Plan submitted to USDA - July 2013
- Anticipated USDA approval and approval letters to grantees - October 2013
- Anticipated project start date - November 1, 2013
- Projects conclude no later than - August 31, 2016
MDA Contact
Brian Erickson, Ag. Marketing Specialist, Sr.
651-201-6539
brian.j.erickson@state.mn.us
Ag Marketing & Development Division
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