DATCP: Specialty crop block grant applications are due April 1, 2010

Funding available to make Wisconsin crops such as vegetables, fruits and herbs more competitive in marketplace

Contact: Juli Speck

608-224-5134

MADISON — If you have an idea to make Wisconsin’s specialty crops more competitive in the domestic or international marketplace, you may qualify for a grant to help turn that idea into reality.

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade & Consumer Protection will accept applications until 4 p.m. Thursday, April 1, 2010 for competitive process grants under USDA’s Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. Eligible projects will enhance the competitiveness of Wisconsin specialty crops in either domestic or foreign markets and must provide a benefit to more than just the applicant.

Specialty crops include: fruits, vegetables, culinary herbs and spices, medicinal plants, tree nuts, flowers, and nursery plants. For a complete updated list of acceptable crops, see http://www.ams.usda.gov/scbgp.

Local and state government, private and non-profit organizations and institutions are encouraged to apply. Priority funding for the 2010 Wisconsin SCBG program will be given to projects that pertain to the following issues:

* Market Development

* Pest and Disease control

* Enhancing Food Safety

* Protecting Key Resources – Land, Water, and Labor

* Innovation within 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, juli.speck@wi.gov, 608-224-5134.