Specialty Crop Block Grant
On December 21, 2004, the Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act of 2004 authorized the U.S. Department of Agriculture to provide state assistance for specialty crops. Under Section 101 of the statute, the secretary of agriculture is directed to "make grants to states for each of the fiscal years 2005 through 2009 to be used by state departments of agriculture solely to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops."
Kansas received $102,000 for fiscal year 2007 and will receive another $102,000 for fiscal year 2008. Grant awards range from $5,000 to $20,000, and are based on the quality of the proposals.
The grants are open to commissions, public entities, and associations and/or nonprofit organizations that represent Kansas specialty agriculture and food producers. Applicants must be a legal entity and have the legal capacity to contract. Applicants also are strongly encouraged to provide a cash match for their projects.
Specialty crops are defined as fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits and nursery crops, including floriculture. Some examples of enhancing the competitiveness of specialty crops are research, promotion, marketing, nutrition, food safety and security, plant health, education, "buy local" programs, addressing environmental concerns and developing cooperatives.
Grant applications for fiscal year 2008 grants are due December 14, 2007. They will be reviewed by staff from the Kansas Department of Agriculture and the Kansas Department of Commerce, as well as by an advisory committee established specifically to review the proposals. Kansas Secretary of Agriculture Adrian Polansky will make the final awards based on his own review the applications and feedback he receives from reviewers.
Specialty Crop Block Grant Application for Fiscal Year 2008 Funds
Specialty Crop Block Grant Recipients for Fiscal Year 2007 Funds