UPDATED: Funding offered to enhance 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 $269,000 is expected to be awarded to projects that will 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).”

“The aim of the program is to fund projects that will enhance the production and competitiveness of specialty crop industries and products in Nevada,” said NDA agriculturist Alexa Johnson.

Grant funds through this program have been used to establish various projects, including projects growing different specialty crops through Western Nevada College, and education and increased sales through the Reno Garlic Festival.

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.

The deadline for letters of intent has been extended to March 15, 2021 and full application proposals are due by April 15, 2021. The request for proposals, previously funded projects and more information can be found on the NDA website.

About the Nevada Department of Agriculture

The Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) 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.