The Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) announced today that applications for the 2018 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program are now open. The ISDA anticipates receiving $1.6 million to $1.9 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for awards to qualified projects that improve the competitiveness of specialty crops in Idaho.

The deadline for submitting all necessary materials is April 13, 2018.

Specialty crops include fruits and vegetables, tree nuts and dried fruits, as well as horticulture and nursery crops including floriculture. Eligible projects must benefit more than one organization and must be solely aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of specialty crops.

Funding under the grant has been awarded to a wide range of Idaho’s specialty crops including potatoes, wine/table grapes, beans, apples, onions, peaches, cherries and nursery crops. The ISDA has awarded more than $9 million in grant funds since 2009. Projects have provided significant opportunities for Idaho specialty crops by increasing sales, product knowledge or awareness, and sustainability, and improving disease control and quality assurance.

All application materials may be found at https://agri.idaho.gov/main/marketing/.

Questions about the grant may be directed to Laura Johnson at (208) 332-8533 or laura.johnson@isda.idaho.gov.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 21, 2018

Contact: Laura Johnson

Office: (208) 332-8533

laura.johnson@isda.idaho.gov