Applications for the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) are live. Here to tell us more about the applications and requirements is SC Ag Commissioner Hugh Weathers.
- The SCBGP is an important resource for strengthening the specialty crop industry.
- I encourage specialty crop farmers, researchers and other industry supporters to propose projects that enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops, sustain the livelihood of farmers, and strengthen local economies.
- Specialty crops are defined as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture (including honey), and nursery crops (including floriculture).
- Applicants should propose projects that provide one or more of the following benefits:
- Enhanced food safety
- Improved capacity of all entities in the specialty crop distribution chain to comply with the requirements of the Food Safety Modernization Act
- Investment in specialty crop research, including research to focus on conservation and environmental outcomes
- Development of new and improved seed varieties and specialty crops
- Enhanced pest and disease control
- Increased child and adult nutrition knowledge and consumption of specialty crops
- Increased efficiency and reduced costs of distribution systems
- Enhanced sustainability
- The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service. Applications and more information can be found at scspecialtycropblockgrant.com
- Applications are due by March 27th, 2020, and must be submitted by email to Betsy Dorton at bdorton@scda.sc.gov
