The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is accepting grant applications for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, which aims to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops in the marketplace. Nonprofits and government agencies wishing to apply have until March 4 at 5 p.m.
Applicants can submit a draft application for staff review by Jan. 25 to gain feedback on their grant proposals. A pdf of the draft application should be sent to jenni.keith@ncagr.gov.
The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program is managed by the department, through funding by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Eligible projects must involve fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, culinary herbs and spices, medicinal plants, nursery, floriculture or horticulture crops.
“North Carolina’s economic impact topped $100 billion for the first time in 2023 and the diversification of agriculture and the growth of the specialty crop sector has certainly helped us reach this goal,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “In 2023, we awarded $1.2 million for 10 projects across the state and we want to continue to invest in specialty crops. We anticipate another $1.2 million in funding this year for projects.”
The department will accept grant requests up to $200,000 from nonprofit organizations, academia, commodity associations, state and local government agencies, and colleges and universities. Grants are not available for projects that directly benefit or provide a profit to a single organization, institution or individual.
See https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/scbgp/specialty-crop for a comprehensive listing of qualifying specialty crops. For grant guidelines and an application, go to www.ncspecialtycrops.com/apply/ For questions, contact Jenni Keith at 919-707-3158 or by email at jenni.keith@ncagr.gov.
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