IDOA
now accepting specialty crop block grant proposals
Applications due May 24th
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[May 12, 2021]
In an effort to expand the availability of
fresh, locally-grown produce and strengthen the competitiveness of
Illinois’ specialty crop industry, the Illinois Department of
Agriculture (IDOA) is now accepting Specialty Crop Block Grant
Proposals. The application can be found in the IDOA website and must
be returned to the Department by 4pm on May 24, 2021.
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Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations, local and
government entities, trade and commodity associations, public
and private colleges/universities. All projects must begin in
calendar year 2022. Illinois encourages applications that
benefit small farms and ranches, new and beginning farmers and
ranchers, socially disadvantaged producers, military veterans
and underserved communities.
To encourage further expansion of the specialty crop industry
and to take full advantage of the allocated federal funds, the
Department invites the development of projects pertaining to the
following issues:
• Enhancing food safety
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• Improving the capacity of all entities in the specialty crop
distribution chain to comply with the requirements of the Food
Safety Modernization Act, for example, by developing “Good
Agricultural "Practices," “Good Handling Practices” and “Good
Manufacturing Practices” and in cost-share arrangements for
funding audits of such systems for small farmers, packers and
processors
• Investing in specialty crop research, including research
focused on conservation and environmental outcomes
• Supporting the growth of organic specialty crops
• Developing new and improved seed varieties and specialty crops
• Improving pest and disease control
• Increasing child and adult nutrition knowledge and consumption
of specialty crops
• Improving efficiency and reducing costs of distribution
systems
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Projects that benefit a particular commercial product
or provide a profit to a single organization, institution, or
individual are ineligible. Farmer’s markets, roadside stands and
community-sponsored agriculture programs should consider submitting
proposals to the USDA’s Farmers’ Market and Local Food Promotion
Program.
USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service defines specialty crops as
“fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits and horticulture and
nursery crops (including floriculture).” There are more than 3,200
producers devoting more than 90,000 acres of Illinois farmland to
specialty crops production, creating nearly $472 million in annual
sales for Illinois farmers. Nationally, Illinois ranks first for its
pumpkin and horseradish production and is in the top ten in the
production of asparagus, cauliflower, fresh-cut herbs, peas, mustard
greens, and lima beans.
IDOA plans to distribute more than $588,000 over a three-year period
thanks to funding allocated in the Specialty Crop Block Grant
program in the federal Farm Bill. Proposal packets and additional
information about the program can be found online at the Illinois
Department of Agriculture website and/or by contacting AGR.ISCBG@illinois.gov.
[Illinois Office of Communication and
Information]
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