$250,000 offered through Specialty Crop Grant

Nevada Department of Agriculture officials are pleased to announce funding for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). Approximately $250,000 will be offered to projects that serve to enhance the competitiveness of Nevada’s specialty crops.

Specialty crops are defined as “fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, legumes, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture).” Eligible crops must be used for food, medicinal purposes and/or aesthetic gratification.

“Enhancing the competitiveness of Nevada’s fruit and vegetable crops helps diversify and sustain the industry,” Ashley Jeppson, NDA program officer, said. “This grant allows the NDA to support Nevada’s growing availability of specialty crops.”

Grant funds through this program have been used to establish many community projects such as Great Basin Community Food Coop’s Distributors of Regional & Organic Produce & Products (DROPP) Program, the Fallon Food Hub, and the Desert Farming Initiative’s high altitude vineyard project at the University of Nevada, Reno.

Projects that promote and enhance specialty crops through research, marketing, education, and production are encouraged to apply. Project proposals must have multiple beneficiaries and may not be used to only benefit one individual or organization.

Individual agricultural producers, non-profit and tribal organizations, minority groups, disadvantaged farmers, agricultural associations, industry groups, community based organizations and academic institutions are encouraged to apply.

Letters of intent are due by April 14, 2017 and full applications proposals are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, May 5, 2017. To see the request for proposals or past funded projects, more information can be found on the NDA website.

The Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) promotes a business climate that is fair, economically viable and encourages a sustainable environment that serves to protect food, fiber and human health and safety through effective service and education. NDA includes the divisions of Administration, Animal Industry, Consumer Equitability, Food and Nutrition and Plant Industry.