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USDA has announced the Specialty Crop
Block Grant Program, through the Agricultural Marketing Service
(AMS).
This is a flow-through program whereby
individual states apply for federal funds, which they will use
for grants within their states. Rules and deadlines vary
from state to state.
Individual states have
leeway in designing their programs, however, the program's
general purpose is to enhance the competitiveness of US grown
specialty crops. Examples given include:
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Increasing
child and adult nutrition knowledge and consumption of specialty
crops
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Improving
efficiency and reducing costs of distribution systems
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Assisting
entities in the specialty crop distribution chain in developing
“Good Agricultural Practices,” “Good Handling Practices,” “Good
Manufacturing Practices,” and cost-share arrangements
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Specialty
crop research, including organic research to focus on
conservation and environmental outcomes
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Food
safety
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Developing
new and improved seed varieties and specialty crops
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Pest
and disease control
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Sustainability
The SCBG program is industry
focused; grant funds will not be awarded for projects that
solely benefit or profit a single organization or individual.
Cooperatives, industry/commodity associations, and institutions
of higher learning are usually eligible applicants, though other
entities may be acceptable as well.
Grant
writing:
Morrison & Company works
with SCBG applicants in any state.
Both of our 2009 SCBG full proposals were successful; for 2010,
eight of our nine concept proposals were selected for full
proposals, with final approval pending.
Click here for more
information on our grant writing services. Please contact us at
your convenience for more information or a fee estimate.
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