The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is accepting proposals for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. The purpose of this program is to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops in the marketplace.
The program is managed by the NCDA&CS and funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture under the 2014 farm bill. In 2015, the NCDA&CS awarded more than $1 million to fund 13 projects across the state.
The program will accept grant applications ranging from $20,000 to $200,000 from nonprofit organizations, commodity associations, state and local government agencies, colleges and universities. Grants are not available for projects that directly benefit or provide a profit to a single organization, institution or individual.
Eligible projects must involve fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, culinary herbs and spices, medicinal plants, nursery, floriculture or horticulture crops. Funding is also available for projects aimed at developing local and regional food systems and improving food access.
Source: ncagr.gov