USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program Applications Being Accepted for State of Alabama
From the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries:
Montgomery, AL – The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) is accepting grant applications for projects that enhance the competitiveness of U.S. specialty crops in foreign and domestic markets. The application deadline for these specialty crop block grants through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is May 13, 2016, 5:00 P.M. Central Standard Time (CST).
Specialty crops are defined by the USDA as fruits and vegetables, dried fruit, tree nuts, horticulture (including maple syrup and honey) and nursery crops (including floriculture).
Commodity groups, agricultural organizations, colleges and universities, municipalities, state agencies and agricultural nonprofits are all eligible for this grant program, provided their proposals meet all the specifications. The USDA has final approval for projects submitted. The ADAI and a review committee of industry representatives will make the application evaluation review and award recommendations.
The specialty crops block grant is a competitive grant process. The maximum award to any applicant is $25,000; the minimum, $5,000.
Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries John McMillan stated, “The department looks forward to implementing the 2016 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program and we are privileged to be a part of this successful program which provides an opportunity to expand the specialty crop industry in Alabama to eligible and worthy recipients. I invite all who qualify to apply.”
Projects cannot begin until the USDA has made its official award announcement, expected by October 2016.
For more detailed information please visit http://www.agi.alabama.gov/scbgp or contact Johnny Blackmon (334-240-7257). All applicants must complete and submit documentation as related to the newly enacted Alabama Immigration Law.