New York State Specialty Crops Available for USDA Money

Here's information from the state Department of Agriculture and Markets:

The state Department of Agriculture and Markets is accepting applications for the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant funds. 

Agricultural associations, industry groups, community-based organizations and producer groups seeking to improve the competitiveness of specialty crops in New York are eligible to submit proposals for grants from $30,000 to 100,000 per project.

A detailed list of commonly recognized specialty crops is provided in the Request for Proposal and on the USDA’s website. Applications for the 2013 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program must be received by 4:30 p.m., May 9.

For program information, application form, or submission criteria, go to http://www.agriculture.ny.gov/RFPS.html or send an email to  Sue Santamarina at sue.santamarina@agriculture.ny.gov.

In December 2012, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced $1 million in federal funding under the Specialty Crop Block Grant program to support the research, development and promotion of specialty crops including fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, and nursery crops.

The funding also included $200,000 to help support the growth of the state's wine, beer, and spirits industry, an emerging and growing specialty crop sector in New York State.

In awarding the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant funds, New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets will give priority to grant proposals with the sole purpose of enhancing the competitiveness of specialty crops and benefit the greatest number of beneficiaries as they pertain to the following issues: Research and Grower Education; Marketing and Promotion; and Food Safety.

Although individual producers are not eligible, they may join with groups and organizations to apply for these grants.