Money for Specialty Crops Now Available in South Carolina

South Carolina's Ag Commissioner Hugh Weathers says that now crops like fruts and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits and nursery crops are eligible for a Specialty Crop Grant through USDA and the 2008 Farm Bill.

Institutions and groups that support specialty crops must provide a two-page summary that includes a project plan for use of the funds and the estimated cost of implementing the plan.  Those selected from the first round of applications will be asked to submit a full proposal as part of the overall state plan for use of the specialty crops grant funds.  The products must benefit groups of producers and not individuals, they can be multi-year but should not exceed three years in duration, funds cannot be used for capital expenditures such as buildings, equipment or land, and indirect costs cannot exceed 10%.

To learn more or to submit a proposal by Friday, April 30, 2010 contact Amy London at 803-734-2210, or visit www.agricuture.sc.gov and look for Specialty Crop Grant under Hot Topics for more specific information.

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