DES MOINES – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey today encouraged eligible groups to apply for grants through the Iowa Specialty Crops Block Grant Program, which is designed to support the competitiveness of specialty crops in Iowa. Proposals are now being accepted through February 26, 2009.
Specialty crops that are eligible are defined as fruits and vegetables, dried fruit, Christmas trees, honey, tree nuts and nursery crops, including flowers.
“Specialty crops allow farmers to diversify and customers increased access to locally grown products,” Northey said. “These funds will support a wide variety of projects designed to raise awareness and consumption of the specialty crops found in Iowa.”
Over the years, funds through this program have been used to support increasing sales at local markets, educational seminars, promotion of products, and education efforts. The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is re-granting $40,000 to groups focused on enhancing the competitiveness of specialty crops.
Organizations may submit only one proposal and each proposal that is chosen will be eligible to receive up to $4,000. Individuals are not eligible to receive the grant.
The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, from the USDA’s division of Agricultural Marketing Services, assists state departments of agriculture in enhancing the competitiveness of U.S. specialty crops.
To find out more about submitting a proposal, visit the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship website at www.iowaagriculture.gov or contact Tammy Stotts by e-mail Tammy.Stotts@iowaagriculture.gov or phone 515/281-7657.
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