In general, beekeeping projects and projects to enhance the competitiveness of honey are eligible under the SCBGP because of the pollination aspect bees play in sustaining specialty crop health, and beekeeping is considered as horticulture. Other bee products may be eligible depending on how they will be used or the purpose of the project. Bee products that are used for food or medicine are eligible. Research projects on pollination or education projects to enhance local beekeeping strategies are eligible.
In general, beekeeping projects and projects to enhance the competitiveness of honey are eligible under the SCBGP because of the pollination aspect bees play in sustaining specialty crop health, and beekeeping is considered as horticulture. Other bee products may be eligible depending on how they will be used or the purpose of the project. Bee products that are used for food or medicine are eligible. Research projects on pollination or education projects to enhance local beekeeping strategies are eligible.
An eligible proposal needs to show to the review committee members and the MDA Commissioner that:
- The project should result in a significant benefit to the specialty crop industry (or a segment of the industry—potatoes, for example).
- The project has external support from specialty crop stakeholders; a stakeholder is a specialty crop grower, grower-level group, processor, or distributor. The proposal needs to list the farmer(s) or organization(s) and describe the reasons they would like you to conduct this project.
- The project should positively affect and produce measurable outcomes for the specialty crop industry and/or the public.
- The proposed project will not solely benefit a particular commercial product; provide a profit to a single organization, institution, or individual; or result in unfair competition with private companies that provide equivalent products or services (for example, increase one co-op’s sales of specialty crops at the expense of another co-op).
An eligible proposal needs to show to the review committee members and the MDA Commissioner that:
- The project should result in a significant benefit to the specialty crop industry (or a segment of the industry—potatoes, for example).
- The project has external support from specialty crop stakeholders; a stakeholder is a specialty crop grower, grower-level group, processor, or distributor. The proposal needs to list the farmer(s) or organization(s) and describe the reasons they would like you to conduct this project.
- The project should positively affect and produce measurable outcomes for the specialty crop industry and/or the public.
- The proposed project will not solely benefit a particular commercial product; provide a profit to a single organization, institution, or individual; or result in unfair competition with private companies that provide equivalent products or services (for example, increase one co-op’s sales of specialty crops at the expense of another co-op).
Yes. Prior to 2020, such a project would not have been eligible, but under new guidance it can be. We know, for example, that some specialty crop growers produce and market non-specialty crops (such as wild rice) through the same channels.
Yes. Prior to 2020, such a project would not have been eligible, but under new guidance it can be. We know, for example, that some specialty crop growers produce and market non-specialty crops (such as wild rice) through the same channels.
Yes to both questions.
