IN State Department Of Agriculture To Offer Farmers Specialty Crop Grants

Applications are due by March 22, 2020. 

(Indianapolis, Ind.) - The Indiana State Department of Agriculture is now accepting proposals for the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program.

Funds from this grant program are given to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops, such as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, horticulture and nursery crops. 

“Indiana is home to such a diverse agriculture industry and this diversity adds so much to our economy and society,” said Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch, Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. “I encourage specialty crop growers and organizations to take full advantage of this funding opportunity.”

The Specialty Crop Block Grant program offers federal funding to the state departments of agriculture to support the growth of the specialty crop industry around the country. The amount Indiana will receive is unknown.

Applications are open to producer groups, trade associations, nonprofits, colleges and universities. Grants should focus on improving marketing, trainings, food safety,  pest control and plant health. Organizations interested in applying to receive funding can find information on how to do so through the Indiana State Department of Agriculture.

Projects must identify at least one expected measurable outcome that specifically demonstrates the project’s impact on enhancing the competitiveness of eligible specialty crops.

Funding priorities must include on of the following:

• Funding Area I: Market Enhancement
• Funding Area II: Access, Education, and Training
• Funding Area III: Research

Projects that have a focus on the benefit a particular commercial product, or provide a profit to a single organization, institution or individual will not be considered.

“This funding will go a long way in shoring up Indiana’s specialty crops in incomplete areas, like research and marketing,” said Bruce Kettler, Indiana State Department of Agriculture Director. “I encourage organizations to look at the key issues they are facing and see if this funding opportunity is something they would like to pursue to improve this diverse sector.”

Applications are due by March 22, 2020. 

Proposals must be submitted online through the Indiana State Department of Agriculture's Grants Management System.

For more information click here or visit www.isda.in.gov.

For a full list of eligible specialty crops please click here.