NCDA&CS offers specialty crop grants

The N.C. Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services recently announced a new grant program to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops in the marketplace. The program, managed by NCDA&CS, is funded through a U.S. Department of Agriculture grant established by the 2008 farm bill.

Nearly $1.2 million will be available in 2009 for projects that benefit the specialty crop industry as a whole. NCDA&CS is accepting proposals ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 from non-profit organizations and corporations, commodity associations, state and local governments, and colleges and universities. Applicants must reside or their business or educational affiliation must be in North Carolina.

The deadline to submit proposals is June 19, and projects will be selected through a competitive grant process.

Eligible crops include fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, Christmas trees, turfgrass/sod, and nursery and greenhouse crops.

Grants will not be awarded for projects that directly benefit or provide a profit to a single organization, institution or individual.

For grant guidelines and application, contact the NCDA&CS Marketing Division at SpecialtyCropGrant@ncagr.gov, (919) 733-7887, or by writing to Specialty Crop Grant, 1020 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1020.