Funding available to enhance Nevada-grown specialty crops

The Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) has approximately $270,000 available for projects to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops grown in the state through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP).

“We’ve seen a variety of unique projects that have benefitted the specialty crop industry over the years,” said NDA Agriculturalist Alexa Johnson. “We encourage any organization or entity with education, research or production ideas that will boost the production or interest in specialty crops in Nevada to apply.”

Specialty crops are defined by USDA as “fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, legumes, dried fruits, horticulture and nursery crops (including floriculture).” 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 Dec. 15, 2023. Full applications will be due Feb. 1, 2024. 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.