The Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) selected 17 specialty crop projects for the 2018 USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program application. The 17 projects totaled over $1.8 million. Since 2009, ISDA has funded more than 120 projects totaling $11 million.

This year, the ISDA received requests for nearly $2.4 million. A panel of industry representatives with experience in agriculture, business management, and science reviewed and scored all applications, providing input to ISDA for the final selection. The projects selected for funding included research as well as marketing and promotion activities for commodities such as potatoes, apples, wine, onions, cherries, nursery stock, tree nuts, peas and beans.

The ISDA’s State Plan has been submitted to USDA.  Final approval is expected from USDA by September 2018.

Specialty crops are defined as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture and nursery crops.  Eligible projects are required to benefit more than one organization and solely enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. Many projects focus on increasing crop sustainability, disease control, and marketing and promotion.

Questions about the grant program may be directed to Laura Johnson at laura.johnson@isda.idaho.gov  or (208)332-8535.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:   Laura Johnson

Phone:     (208) 332-8535