The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) is accepting applications through Feb. 27 for nearly $550,000 in specialty crop block grant funding to increase the competitiveness of Virginia specialty crops.
Specialty crops are fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, and nursery crops including floriculture that are typically covered by traditional crop insurance. Specialty crops do not include standard commodities such as corn, wheat, soybeans, peanuts, cotton, and/or tobacco. Processed foods are eligible, provided their development enhances the competitiveness of one or more specialty crops.
Agricultural associations, industry and producer groups, localities, community-based organizations, educational institutions, and non-profits are eligible for this grant opportunity. Individual producers are not eligible for this grant.
Eligible groups must submit proposals for grants of up to $75,000 per project by 5 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 27, 2023.
Specialty crop competitive grant proposals must be specific and explain how an association, industry group, or organization will use the funds to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. Some examples include research, promotion, and marketing plans, as well as food safety projects and projects that improve food access.
In awarding the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant funds, VDACS will give priority to projects with the sole purpose of enhancing the competitiveness of specialty crops as they pertain to the following issues:
Enhancing food safety; investing in specialty crop research, including research to focus on conservation and environmental outcomes; developing new and improved seed varieties and specialty crops; Improving pest and disease control; Increasing child and adult nutrition knowledge and consumption of specialty crops; Improving efficiency and reducing costs of distribution systems; and Enhancing sustainability.
Guidelines, instructions, and the application for the USDA Specialty Crop Competitive Grants are available online at www.vdacs.virginia.gov/sales-specialty-crop-competitive-grant-program.shtml, via e-mail to Melissa Ball at melissa.ball@vdacs.virginia.gov or by mailing VDACS, Specialty Crop Grants Application, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, VA 23219.
Applications received after 5 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 27, 2023, will not be considered for funding. The duration of each grant is two years, and the grant period will begin Oct. 1, 2023.
