Funding offered to enhance of specialty crops in Nevada

The Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) is pleased to announce funding for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Approximately $250,000 is expected to be awarded to projects that will promote and 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).”

“Many people may not know it, but Nevada producers grow a variety of specialty crops,” Alexa Johnson, agriculturist for the NDA, said. “The purpose of this grant is to help projects that research or promote Nevada grown specialty crops, and ultimately make them more available.”

Grant funds through this program have been used to establish various projects , including projects with Desert Farming Initiative’s research and development of practices for growing different Specialty Crops in Nevada, and education and increased sales through the Reno Garlic Fest.

Project proposals that promote and enhance specialty crops through research, marketing, education, and production must have multiple beneficiaries and may not be used to benefit only 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 March 20, 2020 and full application proposals are due by April 10, 2020. The request for proposals, past funded projects and more information can be found at agri.nv.gov/scbgp.

About the Nevada Department of Agriculture

The Nevada Department of Agriculture’s mission is to preserve, protect and promote Nevada’s agriculture. The department has 150 dedicated employees providing services in its five divisions, Administration, Animal Industry, Consumer Equitability, Food and Nutrition, and Plant Industry. The department’s $232 million budget facilitates regulatory and administrative work in agriculture and food manufacturing industries, protecting public and environmental health and worker safety, and providing food distribution and oversight for the United States Department of Agriculture’s school and community nutrition programs.