Specialty crop grants available

The Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) has nearly $250,000 in funding available through its Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. Through its solicitation process, the purpose of the program is to enhance the competiveness of specialty crops through projects that seek to improve the specialty crops industry.

Specialty crops are defined as “fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, legumes, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture). Project proposals must have multiple beneficiaries and may not be used to solely benefit one individual or organization.

Grant funds through this program have been used to establish many community projects such as: NevadaGrown, Great Basin Community Food Coop’s Distributors of Regional & Organic Produce & Products Program, Chuchill County’s emerging Fallon Food Hub, and many others.

Individual agricultural producers, non-profits, tribal organizations, minority groups, disadvantaged farmers, agricultural associations, industry groups, community-based organizations and academic institutions are encouraged to apply.

Letters of intent to apply for the funds are due Wednesday, April 13 and full applications are due by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, May 18, 2016. To view the request for proposals or past funded projects, visit agri.nv.gov/SCBGP.

The Nevada Department of Agriculture promotes a business climate that is fair, economically viable and encourages a sustainable environment that serves to protect food, fiber and human health and safety through effective service and education. NDA includes the divisions of Administration, Animal Industry, Consumer Equitability, Food and Nutrition and Plant Industry.