Specialty crop grants offered by NCDA&CS

The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is offering about $1 million in grants to government, collegiate and nonprofit agencies interested in improving the competitiveness of specialty crops across the state.

The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program is managed by the NCDA&CS and funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture under the 2008 farm bill. Funding is available for a variety of projects related to enhancing the competitiveness of fruits and tree nuts, vegetables, culinary herbs and spices, medicinal plants, as well as nursery, floriculture and horticulture crops.

"Last year, the department awarded more than $1.1 million in grants," said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. "Those grants have already helped promote established crops like sweet potatoes, and have funded new research for hops, organic farming and other projects still getting off the ground. These funds go a long way to help small farmers diversify their crops and stay competitive."

NCDA&CS will accept grant applications starting at $20,000 from nonprofit organizations, commodity associations, state and local government agencies, colleges and universities. Grants are not available for projects that directly benefit or provide a profit to a single organization, institution or individual. The deadline is 5 p.m. April 26.

For information and an application, go to www.NCSpecialtyCropGrant.org. Questions may be directed to Jeff Camden, NCDA&CS grant administrator, at 919-707-3111 or SpecialtyCropGrant@ncagr.gov.