Specialty Crop Block Grants are available

     The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship announced Dec. 15 that applications are being accepted for grant funding through the Specialty Crop Block Grant program. The grants are available to support projects that enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops grown in Iowa.

     The final funding level for the 2018 Iowa Specialty Crop Block Grant Program is yet to be announced by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service, administer of the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, but should be similar to last years $282,032.76 funding.

     “The Specialty Crop Block Grant funds can support food safety, research and marketing efforts that will encourage Iowans to choose the products that are produced right here in our state,” said Mike Naig, Iowa Deputy Secretary of Agriculture. “Specialty crops are a very important part of Iowa agriculture as they allow farmers to diversify and give customers access to locally grown products.”

     Grant funds shall be used for projects that solely enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops that benefit the specialty crop industry as a whole and will not be awarded for projects that directly benefit a particular product or provide a profit to a single organization, institution, or individual.

     Iowa agencies, universities, institutions, and producer, industry, and community based organizations are all eligible to apply for funding to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. In addition, single organizations, institutions, and individuals are encouraged to participate as project partners.

     Grant awards will be considered up to a maximum of $24,000 and projects can have a duration of up to 30 months (2 ½ years).

     “Specialty Crops” that are eligible under this program are fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits and horticulture and nursery crops, including floriculture.  Both fresh and processed specialty crops are eligible.

     Proposals must be received by IDALS on or before 4 p.m. on Friday March 2, 2018.  For more information visit the IDALS Specialty Crop Block Grant program at the department’s web site at www.IowaAgriculture.gov/Horticulture_and_FarmersMarkets/specialtyCropGrant.asp.

     The department is again establishing a Review Committee to help review, evaluate, and make recommendations on grant proposals submitted to the department.

     Those interested in participating in the Review Committee should have knowledge of specialty crops, and/or grant writing or grant management experience, and the ability to devote the necessary time to complete the review process. Additional information about reviewer responsibilities, meeting dates and an application form can also be found at the website listed earlier.

     Applications to participate in the Reviewer Committee are due Feb. 6, 2018 by 4 p.m.

     In addition, to ensure that funds are used in the most efficient manner possible, the department is asking specialty crop stakeholders and organizations to submit public comments on program priorities.  The comments will help the department identify priorities; establish the criteria used to evaluate the projects proposed for funding, and to determine how the reviews are conducted.

     Iowans interested in submitting comments about the program can do so online by emailing HorticultureAndFarmersMarkets@IowaAgriculture.gov or by mail to Horticulture and Farmers Market Bureau, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, 502 East 9th, Des Moines, Iowa, 50319. Comments received by March 2 will be presented to the review committee to assist in prioritizing projects.

     “The Specialty Crop Block Grant program has been a tremendous benefit to Iowa and it is important we understand the priorities of the specialty crop producers as we consider this year’s applications,” Naig said. “The public comments will allow us to hear from all segments of Iowa’s specialty crop industries and give them a means to participate in the decisions surrounding this program.”