Specialty Crop Deadline

The Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) announced that applications for the 2017 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program are now open. The ISDA anticipates receiving $1.6 – $1.9 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for awards to qualified projects that improve the competitiveness of specialty crops in Idaho.

The deadline for submitting all necessary materials is April 14, 2017. 

Specialty crops include fruits and vegetables, tree nuts and dried fruits, as well as horticulture and nursery crops including floriculture.  Eligible projects must benefit more than one organization and must be solely aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of specialty crops.

"Each year ISDA is impressed with the quality of projects submitted, especially those projects that expand markets and advance the technology surrounding Idaho's specialty crops," ISDA Director Celia Gould said. "We are excited about seeing what new marketing and research projects Idaho's specialty crop industry has to offer this year."

Projects have been awarded to a wide range of Idaho's specialty crops including potatoes, wine/table grapes, beans, apples, onions, peaches, cherries and nursery crops. The ISDA has awarded more than $9 million in grant funds since 2009. Projects have provided significant opportunities for Idaho specialty crops by increasing sales, product knowledge or awareness, and sustainability, and improving disease control and quality assurance.

There will be two pre-application webinars to assist applicants with the new materials.  The webinars are scheduled for March 9 at 11 a.m. MST and March 14 at 1 p.m. MDT.

All application materials and a link to the upcoming webinars can be found at http://www.agri.state.id.us/AGRI/Categories/Marketing/specialitycropgrantphp.php .

Questions about the grant may be directed to Eric Boyington at eric.boyington@ISDA.idaho.gov or (208) 332-8537.