Applications are Due March 15, 2011
Contact: Juli Speck
608-224-5134
MADISON – The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection is currently accepting applications for the Specialty Crop Block Grant program, which offers competitive grants funded by the federal government.
Applications are due by 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 15, 2011.
Specialty crops include: fruits, vegetables, culinary herbs and spices, medicinal plants, tree nuts, flowers, and nursery plants. A complete list of acceptable crops is available at: http://www.ams.usda.gov/scbgp.
Priority for the 2011 Wisconsin SCBG funding will be given to projects that pertain to the following issues:
* Innovation within the specialty crop industry
* Market development
* Pest and disease control
* Sustainability
* Enhancing food safety
Local, tribal and state government entities, private and non-profit organizations and institutions, and public and private colleges and universities are encouraged to apply. Projects should benefit the entire industry, rather than only an individual applicant.
The Farm, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Farm Bill) authorized the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide grants to benefit the specialty crop industry. Additional information and complete application materials are available online at http://www.datcp.state.wi.us. For questions about the grant program or completing the application, contact Juli Speck by e-mail at juli.speck@wisconsin.gov or at 608-224-5134.
