Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced today that the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is now accepting applications for the 2024 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program through March 1, 2024. The grant program, which is designed to support projects that enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops grown in Iowa by increasing demand, yields or awareness, is administered by the Department with funding from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
“Iowa consumers are increasingly turning to Choose Iowa to find more local food and ag products, and the Specialty Crop Block Grant program helps Iowa farmers and producers build the variety and supply needed to meet this growing demand,” said Secretary Naig. “As Choose Iowa grows statewide and more farmers become members, it’s important we have Farm Bill programs like the Specialty Crop Block Grants to stimulate new markets, invest in research, and make Iowa’s specialty crop industry more competitive.”
Projects must enhance the competitiveness of Iowa grown specialty crops that benefit the industry as a whole and that do not directly benefit a particular product or single organization, institution or individual. Eligible specialty crops include fresh and processed fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, as well as horticulture and nursery crops, including floriculture. Livestock and poultry are not considered specialty crops.
Iowa’s total allocation for the program this year is $368,627.98. The maximum amount of a sub-award is $30,000. However, if it is determined there are not enough qualified projects to award all available funding from USDA-AMS, the Department reserves the right at its sole discretion to re-evaluate the maximum amount to be awarded on a per project basis to utilize all funding available. Contract options will be available for projects lasting 12 months, 24 months and 30 months.
Click here to read more iowaagriculture.gov
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Categories: Iowa, Crops, Livestock