The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is accepting applications from nonprofits, commodity associations, state and local governments, academia and colleges and universities for $1.2 million in specialty crops grants. The program is designed to boost competitiveness of specialty crops in the marketplace. The deadline to apply is March 4. Draft applications can be submitted for review by Jan. 25.

• The agricultural diversity within North Carolina is one of the reasons our state’s agriculture and agribusiness industry now tops $103 billion in economic impact.
  
• And the growth of the specialty crops sector has certainly helped with that diversification and added to the economic impact of agriculture.
  
• Specialty crops cover a variety of commodities that North Carolina consumers can find locally.

• Things like fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, culinary herbs and spices, medicinal plants, and nursery, floriculture and horticulture products all fall under the heading of specialty crops.

• As farmers look for new products to grow and market, specialty crops often offer a viable opportunity for a new revenue stream for farms.

• We hope to continue to increase specialty crop production in the state through the latest round of specialty crop block grant funding.

• The department is offering $1.2 million in grants to nonprofit organizations, commodity associations, state and local government agencies, and colleges and universities.  Funding comes through USDA Specialty Crops Block Grant funding.

• We are currently accepting grant requests of up to $200,000 a project, with the goal of increasing the competitiveness of specialty crops in the marketplace. Projects cannot benefit a single organization, institution or individual.

• Applications must be received by 5 p.m. on March 4.

• Applicants can also submit a draft proposal for staff review by Jan. 25 to receive feedback on it.

• You can find out more about the Specialty Crops Block Grant program at www.ncagr.gov.