2013 Specialty Crop Block Grants

The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets is now accepting proposals for the 2013 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. Approximately $188,000 is available during this funding cycle. These grant funds are for the sole purpose of enhancing the competitiveness of Vermont-grown Specialty Crops, and will be distributed to through a competitive review process. The complete RFP and required cover sheet are attached and will be posted shortly online here: www.vermontagriculture.com/buylocal/marketing/specialtycrops.html.

Specialty crops are defined as fruits and vegetables, dried fruit, tree nuts, and nursery crops (including floriculture and turf production). The USDA maintains a list of eligible specialty crops on its website: www.ams.usda.gov/scbgp. Projects may be up to three calendar years in length, and multi-state projects are encouraged. Applications for grant funds should show how the project potentially impacts and produces measurable outcomes for the specialty crop industry and/or the public rather than a single organization, institution, or individual.

The deadline for the MANDATORY LOI is April 22, and the full application deadline (if invited) is June 5. Electronic submission is requested.