West Virginia Department of Agriculture - Specialty Crop Block Grant*
Details
Maximum Grant Amount$100,000
Description
The West Virginia Department of Agriculture is accepting applications to the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program.
The grant program, funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and administered by the WVDA, gives specialty crop growers the opportunity to learn new techniques, test them out and share that knowledge with other producers.
USDA encourages entities to develop projects pertaining to the following issues affecting the specialty crop industry:
- enhancing food safety;
- assisting all entities in the specialty crop distribution chain in developing “Good Agricultural Practices,” “Good Handling Practices,” “Good Manufacturing Practices,” and cost-share arrangements for funding audits of such systems for small farmers, packers, and processors;
- investing in specialty crop research, including research to focus on conservation and environmental outcomes;
- developing new and improved seed varieties and specialty crops;
- pest and disease control; and development of organic and sustainable production practices;
- increasing child and adult nutrition knowledge and consumption of specialty crops;
- improving efficiency and reducing costs of distribution systems;
- developing local and regional food systems; and
- improving food access in underserved communities
Commonly recognized specialty crops are fruits, vegetables, honey, maple syrup, dried fruits, horticulture and nursery crops (including floriculture). A list of crops commonly considered for a more comprehensive listing of eligible and ineligible crops is available on the Department of Agriculture website. Eligible plants must be intensively cultivated and used by people for food, medicinal purposes, and/or aesthetic gratification to be considered specialty crops. Processed products shall constitute greater than 50% of the specialty crop by weight, exclusive of added water.
The following are eligible to apply either as single entities or in combined efforts:
- State and/or local organizations
- government entities
- producer associations
- academia
- community based organizations
- other specialty crop stakeholders
Regional or multi-state projects may be considered by WVDA.
While single entities are eligible, a requirement of the program is that projects must also benefit more than one commercial product, organization, or individual.
Single organizations, institutions, and individuals are encouraged to participate as project partners.
Grant information was last reviewed by our staff on 01/08/2020
Application Link
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