Grant applications are available through the Federal Specialty Crop Block, a federal program provided by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service and administered by the Alaska Division of Agriculture.
The program seeks to enhance the competitiveness of Alaska Grown specialty crops, sustain farmers’ livelihoods, and strengthen local communities.
Universities, producer groups, extension services, soil and water conservation districts, colleges, schools, and non-profit organizations are eligible applicants for this grant program.
Grant projects are 1-3 years in duration and available in amounts up to $60,000, depending on the scope of the project.
Eligible projects include efforts focused on the following:
- Enhancing food safety
- Improving capacity in the specialty crop distribution chain
- Specialty crop research
- Development of new and improved varieties
- Pest and disease control
- Increasing child and adult nutrition knowledge and consumption of specialty crops
- Improving efficiency and reducing costs
- Sustainability
Letters of Intent for proposed project ideas are due to the Division by 5 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 10. The request for proposals, including application and deadline information, is available at: https://dnr.alaska.gov/ag/ag_grants/specialty_crop_block_grant.htm.
Grant projects must benefit the specialty crop industry as a whole and enhance the competitiveness of U.S.-grown specialty crops in either domestic or foreign markets.
Projects that benefit a particular commercial product or provide a profit to a single business, organization, or individual will be deemed ineligible for funding.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture defines specialty crops as fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops. Due to USDA restrictions, livestock, dairy, fuel/feed grains, hay, and aquaculture (with the exception of kelp and sea vegetables) are excluded from the grant program.
Only projects related to specialty crops are allowed under this funding source.
Find the full list of USDA-eligible specialty crops here: https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/scbgp/specialty-crop.