The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) is accepting grant applications for projects that enhance the competitiveness of U.S. specialty crops in foreign and domestic markets. The application deadline for these specialty crop block grants through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is Monday, April 27, 5 p.m. CST. Specialty crops are defined by the USDA as fruits and vegetables, dried fruit, tree nuts, horticulture (including maple syrup and honey) and nursery crops (including floriculture).
Commodity groups, agricultural organizations, colleges and universities, municipalities, state agencies and agricultural nonprofits are all eligible for this grant program. However, their proposals must meet all of the program specifications. ADAI and a review committee of industry representatives will make application evaluation reviews and award recommendations to the USDA. USDA has final approval for projects submitted.
The specialty crop block grant is a competitive grant process, with the minimum amount awarded being $5,000. The maximum award to commodity groups, agriculture organizations, municipalities and agriculture nonprofits applicants is $25,000. The maximum amount for colleges and universities is $40,000.
Projects cannot begin until official agreements are signed, which is expected in October, 2020. For more information, visit http://www.agi.alabama.gov/scbgp or contact Johnny Blackmon at 334/240-7257.