Grants available through NCDA&CS for specialty crops

Deadline for applications is June 4

RALEIGH -- The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is offering grants to fund new projects to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops in the marketplace. The program, managed by NCDA&CS, is funded through a U.S. Department of Agriculture grant established by the 2008 farm bill.

“We are happy to again be able to offer this program, making nearly $1.2 million available this year through a competitive grant process,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “These grants will benefit the specialty crop industry, and will help small farmers and local food efforts.”

NCDA&CS will accept grant applications ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 from non-profit organizations and corporations, commodity associations, state and local government agencies, colleges and universities. Applicants must reside or their business or educational affiliation must be in North Carolina. Applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. on June 4.

Projects involving the following specialty crops are eligible: Fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, Christmas trees, turfgrass/sod, and nursery and greenhouse crops. Funding opportunities are also available for projects aimed at developing local and regional food systems, and improving food access.

Grants will not be awarded for projects that directly benefit or provide a profit to a single organization, institution or individual.

For grant guidelines and an application, contact the NCDA&CS Marketing Division at SpecialtyCropGrant@ncagr.gov, by phone at (919) 733-7887, or by mail at Specialty Crop Grant, 1020 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1020. More information is online at file://www.ncspecialtycropgrant.org/.