SPARKS, Nev. -
January 31, 2023The 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). More than $273,500
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).”
“We are looking for 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 to help specialty crop producers achieve success in
developing and marketing their products through the Women’s Farm to Food
Accelerator Program, research projects to determine what bean varieties will
grow well in Nevada climates through the University of Nevada, Reno, and
education and outreach projects through Nevada Farm Bureau.
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 to submit Letters of Intent to be invited to submit a formal
application is Feb. 15, 2023. Full applications will be due March 25, 2023. The
request for proposals, previously funded projects and more information can be
found at agri.nv.gov/scbgp.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 225 dedicated employees
providing services in its five divisions, Administrative Services, Animal
Industry, Measurement Standards, Food and Nutrition, and Plant Health and
Compliance. The department’s $288 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.
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